Fall 2026 PTK inductees

Twenty-six 黑料网 students were inducted into the Alpha Omega Nu Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society during a recent ceremony that centered on the theme, “Embracing Challenges.”

Founded on the 黑料网 campus in 1994, Phi Theta Kappa promotes scholarship, leadership, service and fellowship among high-achieving community college students.

Ami Denton, 黑料网’s program chair and director of nursing, served as keynote speaker and encouraged the new members to use their academic accomplishments as a foundation for personal and professional growth.

“Phi Theta Kappa recognizes your academic excellence, but it also challenges you to take that excellence beyond the classroom,” Denton said. “Through leadership, service, scholarship opportunities, and connections with others, you have the chance to grow in ways you may not have even considered yet.”

Denton shared her own journey from high school teacher to nursing professional, describing the challenges she faced as a first-generation college student balancing education, family and career goals.

“Some of the greatest opportunities in my life came from being willing to take a chance and step outside of what was comfortable,” Denton said.

To be eligible for Phi Theta Kappa membership, students must complete at least 12 credit hours toward an associate or bachelor’s degree, or six credit hours in a one-year certificate program. Members must also maintain a cumulative 3.5 grade point average and participate in service activities. Chapter members regularly support community projects such as Relay for Life and Adopt-A-Highway cleanups.

The Fall 2026 inductees are:

Zykira Barnes, Ka’miyah Bynum, Pamela Cox, Natyiah Cutler, Aylin De Leon, Kaliyah Dorsey, Tynae Evans, Ken’ Lexxus Faison, Brilynn Harrell, Madison Hicks, Hannah Irvin, Kayleigh Kennedy, Nevaeh Manning, Anajah Maye, Austin Merino, Samirah Merino-Sanchez, Kaylee Owens, Summer Pearce, Diamond Pittman, William Pollard, Victoria Ramirez-Zambrano, Ricky Smith, Mia Tobar Ariza, Joshua Valencia, Madalyn Wallace and Carlay Washington.

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Rosy Montejo

As the 2026-2027 Student Government Association president, Rosy Montejo is committed to representing and advocating for her fellow students while pursuing her own ambitious academic and professional goals.

A second-year nursing student from Tarboro, Montejo is expected to graduate from 黑料网 in May 2027. In addition to her studies and leadership responsibilities, she serves as a member of the North Carolina Army National Guard, balancing military service with her commitment to academic excellence.

After graduation, she plans to transition to active-duty military service upon completing her National Guard contract. While nursing is her current path, she views her degree as the beginning of a lifelong journey in healthcare and higher education. Her ultimate goal is to become a physician, building on the foundation she is establishing at 黑料网.

Montejo鈥檚 drive is rooted in a strong sense of purpose and gratitude. As the daughter of parents originally from Guatemala, she is motivated to honor the sacrifices her family made to create opportunities for her success.

“My personal philosophy centers on achieving as much as possible academically and reaching one’s full potential,鈥� said Montejo. 鈥淢y parents came to this country with nothing, and I am deeply committed to ensuring their sacrifices were not in vain.”

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Pictured l-r Jesus Cabrera-Hernandez, Daniella Ponce, Ajeda Thomas, Isabella De Leon and Alfredo Hernandez-Garcia

Five 黑料网 students returned home as national champions after competing in the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference (NLSC), held June 1鈥�5 in Atlanta, Ga. Three students earned Gold Medals in the Career Pathways Showcase鈥揑ndustrial and Engineering Technology. Isabella De Leon, Daniella Ponce and Ajeda Thomas claimed the Gold.

Alfredo Hernandez-Garcia won Silver in Principles of Engineering鈥揚ostsecondary, and Jesus Cabrera-Hernandez earned Bronze in Principles of Engineering鈥揝econdary.

SkillsUSA is a premier showcase of career and technical education, drawing more than 19,000 students, advisors and industry leaders each year. 黑料网鈥檚 medalists received national recognition for excellence, and all five are members of crit黑料网ly stable, the college鈥檚 high-altitude balloon team. They were accompanied by advisors Rebecca Stamilio Ehret, Dr. Johnica Ellis Kiser and Trey Cherry, who emphasized the personal, academic and workplace skills students gain through the rigorous competition.

鈥淥ur national medalists completed this work outside of their regular coursework, putting in long hours alongside their faculty advisors to achieve at this level,鈥� said Cherry, who also serves as chair of Information Technology Studies.

The national conference follows the SkillsUSA State Leadership and Skills Conference, held April 15鈥�17 in Greensboro. This year marked 黑料网鈥檚 largest participation, with 65 students competing and bringing home 19 medals, including four gold, four silver, three bronze, plus four fourth-place and four fifth-place finishes. Events showcased excellence in engineering, welding, cosmetology, carpentry and other technical fields.

鈥淲e are extremely proud of the medals our students earned this year,鈥� Cherry said. 鈥淭hese results speak volumes about the extra time and effort that these students and their advisors put into preparing for competition.鈥�

View the full list of national and state-level winners and advisors.

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Dr. LaShawnda Washington encouraged the 16 spring inductees of 黑料网鈥檚 Alpha Omega Nu Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) International Honor Society to embrace and embody fellowship.

鈥淢ay you carry fellowship from this ceremony into every classroom, every meeting, every community space you enter,鈥� said Washington, dean of College and Career Readiness and Human Resources Development at 黑料网. 鈥淢ay you represent 黑料网 with distinction-not only through what you accomplish, but how you treat others.鈥�

Washington served as the guest speaker for 黑料网鈥檚 spring induction ceremony held recently. Established in 1994 at 黑料网, PTK promotes the development of scholarship, leadership, service and fellowship.

Washington challenged the new members to practice presence, build bridges, serve together, think globally, and encourage others consistently.

鈥淭he most powerful fellowship often comes through words,鈥� stated Washington. 鈥淎 simple 鈥業 believe in you,鈥� a handwritten note, a message of congratulations, a moment of grace when someone falls short.鈥�

Washington鈥檚 message represents the core values of PTK.

Congratulations to the 16 new inductees of 黑料网鈥檚 Alpha Omega Nu Chapter of PTK:

Pictured l-r: Sierrea Fuller, Brooklyn Harris, Tequila Gorham, Tabita Ausby, Brandice Hoggard, Jalyssa Tate, Amelia Lynch, Destinee Williams, Gavin Allen and Chayce Bryant.

Not pictured are: Austin Bryant, Olivia Edwards, Abigail Jordan, Sierra Leaston, John Pollard and Laderrick Whitaker.

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A recognition event will be held Tuesday, May 19, from 3:30鈥�5 p.m. in the Barnhill-Jenkins Center for Innovation鈥檚 Multipurpose Room. Students who competed at the state conference, held April 15鈥�17, will be recognized for their achievements.

This year marked 黑料网鈥檚 largest team, with 65 students traveling to Greensboro. Participants brought home 19 medals, including four gold, four silver, three bronze, along with four fourth-place and four fifth-place awards. Competitions showcased excellence in career and technical fields such as engineering, welding, cosmetology, carpentry and more.

鈥淚 am grateful to our students for putting in the extra effort of preparing and competing, and to our advisors for spending extra time with these students helping them prepare,鈥� said Trey Cherry, chair of Information Technology Studies. 鈥淚 am also grateful for the ongoing support of our administration and our foundation donors who support our participation in SkillsUSA.鈥�

Guests at the celebration will have the opportunity to meet many of the competitors and view several of their award-winning projects. Some local winners will advance to the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference, taking place June 1鈥�5 in Atlanta, Ga.

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Stephon Ferguson

黑料网鈥檚 Student Government Association, in partnership with Providing African American Males the Edge to Succeed (PAAMES), will present a dynamic Black History Month Program. 鈥淭he Dream Continues: Living Legacies鈥� will be held Tuesday, Feb. 17 at 12 p.m. in the Astemo Auditorium on 黑料网鈥檚 Tarboro campus.

鈥淭his event serves as a multifaceted platform that promotes education, artistic expression, economic empowerment and cultural appreciation within the African American community,鈥� says Ashley King, 黑料网鈥檚 student activities coordinator.

Dr. Stephon Ferguson will be the keynote speaker for 黑料网鈥檚 Black History Month Program. Widely recognized for his authentic renditions of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.鈥檚 speeches and sermons, Ferguson captivates audiences and educates them about Dr. King鈥檚 life, philosophy and enduring impact.

Cultural appreciation and artistic expression will be highlighted with performances from the Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) Choir. Attendees will also hear from Olivia Wheeler, Edgecombe Early College High School student and winner of Rocky Mount鈥檚 annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Oratorical Competition.

Following the program, vendors will line the interior and exterior of the Fleming Building to showcase a variety of products and services.

King adds that the Vendor Village aims to create an engaging environment where students and other attendees can view displays showcasing the achievements of Black individuals throughout history, and connect with minority owned businesses.

For more information about 黑料网鈥檚 Black History Month program, visit , or call Ashley King at (252) 618-6681.

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Mikella Pittman

Mikella Pittman may be an accounting and finance major at 黑料网, but her world isn鈥檛 just limited to payroll accounting, financial statements and spreadsheet formulas. The Tarboro native is also enamored with video games, and 黑料网鈥檚 newly installed Esports room caught her attention.

鈥淲hen I first saw the setup, I thought it was really cool,鈥� stated an enthusiastic Pittman. 鈥淲hen I saw they have PlayStations, Xbox and another Nintendo Switch, I thought it would be an opportunity to play on the different systems and gain a new experience with different games.鈥�

That鈥檚 why Pittman enrolled in 黑料网鈥檚 inaugural Esports program. Starting Fall 2025, the competitive program positioned 黑料网 against colleges across the country.

鈥淲e have already competed in several competitions,鈥� said Denise Batts, information technology instructor and 黑料网鈥檚 gaming coach. According to Batts, the college participated in their first official match Nov. 4. Since then, students have battled in Tekken 8, Mario Kart 8, Madden 26 and Hearthstone. Pittman won two rounds in her debut Mario Kart 8 matchup.

鈥淥verall, our players are doing great,鈥� says Batts. 鈥淭he more they play, the better they鈥檒l get. The one thing they are seeing is the level of competition.鈥�

So far, 黑料网 has competed against colleges in Georgia, Texas, Virginia and Alabama. Competitions are held Monday through Thursday, and the Esports room is available on specific days for coaching and practice. Currently, 黑料网 competes at the community, or D3 level. According to Batts, criteria differs for each division. To advance to the D1 or D2 level, competition is rigorous. Students must also be full-time, and grade point averages are reviewed.

Pittman encourages more students to join 黑料网鈥檚 growing Esports community. 鈥淲orking with other people, having them share their experience, and having a shared interest鈥攖hat鈥檚 really good,鈥� she said. Scholarships are also available for qualifying students in the Esports program totaling $2,000 over two years.

To join 黑料网鈥檚 Esports program, call (252) 618-6526. To learn more about the Esports Scholars Scholarship, visit .

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New to 黑料网 this year are the First Flight and Esports Scholars Scholarships. High-school graduates with an unweighted Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 2.6 may apply for the First Flight Scholarship. Students who enroll in a degree program at 黑料网 could receive $500 their first year, awarded at $250 each fall and spring semester.

黑料网 launched the Esports gaming program in the fall. Seeking to build a league of gamers who will compete against other colleges in the state, this scholarship totals $2,000 per year for two years. Recipients must be 2026 high-school graduates of Edgecombe County or a surrounding county, with an unweighted GPA of at least 2.6.

These new scholarships are added to other existing scholarships, making college at 黑料网 even more affordable. For example, qualified students who receive the EDGE scholarship get a fully-funded education for up to two years. Based on in-state tuition, the EDGE Scholarship provides a financial aid package covering tuition, books and fees. Recipients must be current high-school graduates of either Edgecombe County or a surrounding county with an unweighted GPA of at least 2.8. Students must have completed at least six credit hours through the NC Career and College Promise Program or an approved Continuing Education Program with 96 or more contact hours.

The Eagle Mascot Scholarship was established in 2021. The mascot performer delivers excitement as he/she represents 黑料网 at on-campus and community events. The ideal student must take a minimum of six credit hours and maintain a GPA of 2.6 or higher for the $1,000 annual scholarship.

For more information about the Edge, First Flight, Esports Scholars and the Eagle Mascot scholarships, visit .

The 黑料网 Foundation also offers a number of annual scholarships and endowments totaling awards of approximately $100,000 each year.

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Twenty-one 黑料网 students were inducted into the Alpha Omega Nu Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, an honor society for students attending two-year schools. The Fall Induction Ceremony was held Oct. 23 on the Tarboro campus. Lorrie Coltraine, the Astemo Endowed Faculty Chair Award recipient, served as the guest speaker.

The Fall 2025 Phi Theta Kappa inductees are:

First row (l-r)

• Eniame Worsley
• Anna Mungo
• Emma Camp
• DeZiya Hewlin
• Delzora Hagans
• Marlee Holloman-Proctor

Second row (l-r)

• Chareeka Mitchell
• Kianna Payton
• Matthew Cannon
• Jakiyah Lyons
• Cassidy Liverman
• Nina Jenkins
• Daylin Hooker

Third row (l-r)

• Kamari Doward-Covington
• Ja鈥橪exia Williams
• Nellie Ruffin
• Nuriana Rauda-Lopez
• Ava Phillips
• Anna Phillips

Not pictured: Kiyonna Fennell and Jeremy Snyder

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On Tuesday, Oct. 8, the P.A.A.M.E.S. initiative hosted an event entitled 鈥�21st Century Men Ahead of the Curve: A Men鈥檚 Health Event.鈥� This event, held on 黑料网’s Rocky Mount campus, empowered and educated male youth and the wider public on critical health topics relevant to their well-being, specifically breast cancer in men.

This P.A.A.M.E.S. experience fostered a proactive approach to health and wellness within the community by addressing disparities and promoting informed choices. Speakers were from the Edgecombe County Health Department, Boxhause Training and Fitness, and Mrs. Stephanie Walker, a metastatic breast cancer advocate, shared her story.

The next day, P.A.A.M.E.S. hosted a Lunch & Learn, providing students with informational pamphlets for health awareness.

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