Forty-six community college scholars were honored for their academic accomplishments Feb. 13 in Topeka during the 19th Annual Phi Theta Kappa Honors Luncheon. The luncheon was held at the Ramada Inn Hotel in Topeka in conjunction with the February Kansas Board of Regents meeting. 

Representing 38 towns and cities, the state's 19 community colleges, and a private two-year college, these scholars have been named to the 2013-14 All-Kansas Academic Team, sponsored by the international headquarters of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society, the Kansas Association of Community College Trustees, and the Kansas Council of Community College Presidents.

Phi Theta Kappa is the honor society for students attending community and two-year colleges. Membership is based on high grade point averages and other criteria, with members focusing on scholastic achievement and service to community and campus.

Each scholar was selected by his or her own community college for the annual statewide academic team, and each scholar also is a nominee for the 2013-2014 All-USA Academic Team, sponsored by the newspaper USA Today, Phi Theta Kappa, and the American Association of Community Colleges.

Colby Community College students selected for the 2013-14 All-Kansas Academic Team were Amanda Duvail from Spurger, Tex., and Paige Todd from Gove.

In selecting nominees, presidents are asked to consider outstanding academic rigor and grade point averages; participation in honors programs; awards, honors, and recognition for academic achievement, and service to the college and community.

In addition, applicants are required to write an essay that focuses around one endeavor undertaken by the student that utilizes his or her community college education to improve the community or school.

Each student will receive a proclamation issued by Gov. Sam Brownback, an educational scholarship and an academic medallion.  The Kansas Board of Regents universities and Washburn University have provided scholarships in amounts ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 for the All-Kansas Team recipients who transfer to their institutions.

Colby Community College President Dr. Stephen Vacik, Vice President of Academic Affairs Greg Nichols, Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. George McNulty, Board of Trustees members Kenton Krehbiel and Arlen Leiker, advisor Brent Wilson and the two recipients attended the honorary luncheon.  Dr. Beth Fenton is also an advisor for the CCC Phi Theta Kappa organization.

Since 1991, Phi Theta Kappa, USA Today, and the American Association of Community Colleges have sponsored the national All-USA Academic Team Program. The Kansas program is an affiliate, and the Kansas students are all nominees for the national honor.

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Back: Greg Nichols, VP of Academic Affairs; Dr. Steve Vacik, President; Dr. George McNulty,
VP of Student Affairs; Arlen Leiker, Board of Trustees Chair. 
Front: Paige Todd, Gove; Amanda Duvail, Spurger, Tex.; Brent Wilson, Physics Instructor;
and Kenton Krehbiel, Board of Trustees.

Back:  Greg Nichols, VP of Academic Affairs; Dr. Steve Vacik, President; Dr. George McNulty, VP of Student Affairs; Arlen Leiker, Board of Trustees Chair.  Front:  Paige Todd, Gove; Amanda Duvail, Spurger, Tex.; Brent Wilson, Physics Instructor; and Kenton Krehbiel, Board of Trustees.