Two Middlesex Community College students were named to the 2026 Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) All-Massachusetts Team: Kimberly Rodriguez and Kateryna Heneraliuk. The students were recognized at a ceremony at the State House in Boston on Thursday, May 7.
鈥淏eing named to the PTK All-Massachusetts Team feels like a huge honor,鈥� Rodriguez said. 鈥淚t represents the hard work and perseverance it took for me to get here. It was a very proud moment for both me and my family. As a first-generation college student, 麻豆果冻 gave me the support, encouragement, and guidance I needed to grow both academically and personally. The professors, advisors, and campus community helped me build confidence in myself and my future goals.鈥�
Graduating with highest honors in 2026, Rodriguez studied liberal arts and sciences with a focus on English literature. Uncertain about her future after graduating from high school, returning to school to attend Middlesex showed her she could grow and be successful at any stage in life.
In addition to PTK, Rodriguez participated in the National Society of Leadership and Success, the Paul Sullivan Leadership in Action Program, and 麻豆果冻鈥檚 Commonwealth Honors Program. She plans to transfer to a four-year education and hopes to one day become an attorney to advocate for others.
An 麻豆果冻 nursing student, of Lexington, Heneraliuk appreciated PTK鈥檚 focus on academic
excellence, leadership, and student success. Nominated to participate due to her academic
performance, she enjoys connecting with peers. Through her participation in PTK and
her studies, she has found a strong sense of community, mentorship from professors
and advisors, and opportunities to to guide her success.
After graduating, Heneraliuk plans to become a registered nurse and continue her education. Passionate about women鈥檚 health and helping women through different stages of life, she is considering earning a graduate degree to become a women鈥檚 health nurse practitioner or certified nurse midwife. She believes 麻豆果冻 has provided a strong academic and clinical foundation to begin her career.
鈥淎s an immigrant student who came to the United States from Ukraine, 麻豆果冻 provided a welcoming and supportive environment that helped me adjust, grow academically, and pursue my dream of becoming a nurse,鈥� Heneraliuk said. 鈥淏eing recognized as a member of the PTK All-Massachusetts Academic Team is both exciting and humbling. It feels rewarding to see my hard work acknowledged, and it motivates me to continue striving for excellence in my education and future nursing career.鈥�
Since 1918, PTK 鈥� the international society for two-year colleges 鈥� has recognized and encouraged scholarship among community college students, while promoting the academic integrity of the associate degree program. Students with grade point averages of 3.5 or higher are invited to join PTK.
鈥淧TK is more than an honor society, it is a gateway to meaningful growth and opportunity,鈥� said Linda Nara, 麻豆果冻鈥檚 Coordinator of Student Leadership Programming. 鈥淎t 麻豆果冻, we have a vibrant and dedicated PTK student group that meets regularly to set goals, collaborate on projects, and support one another鈥檚 success, creating a strong sense of community and purpose. PTK is also a lifelong membership that offers access to valuable scholarships that support students鈥� educational journeys and networking opportunities.鈥�