Mountain Gateway Community College Students Honored at Annual PTK Luncheon and Catalyst Convention
Clifton Forge, VA — On April 16, 2025, Mountain Gateway Community College (MGCC) proudly hosted the annual Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Scholars Luncheon, a distinguished event recognizing academic excellence across the Virginia Community College System (VCCS). As the organizing institution for this statewide celebration, MGCC welcomed members of PTK from across the Commonwealth to honor their achievements and leadership.
Phi Theta Kappa is the international honor society for two-year colleges, symbolizing excellence in higher education and a commitment to students. PTK has recognized and encouraged academic achievements among two-year college students for more than 100 years by providing stimulation and enrichment while promoting the academic integrity of the associate degree program.
This year’s Luncheon celebrated members of the All-Virginia Academic Team, the 2025 Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team, and the Top Ten All-Virginia Academic Team..
Among the honorees was MGCC student Catherine (Cat) Young, who received multiple accolades. Cat was named to the Top Ten All-Virginia Academic Team, the All-Virginia Academic Team, and earned the distinguished title of Coca-Cola Silver Scholar on the 2025 Coca-Cola Academic Team. She will receive a $1,250 scholarship, awarded based on her score in the national All-USA Academic Team competition, which received nearly 2,100 applications this year.
“I am so very proud of all our PTK members, who have worked diligently for the honor of being part of PTK,” said Rachael Thompson, PTK Co-Advisor. “These students are dedicated students and highly involved PTK members; more importantly, they both embody the spirit of service that is of the utmost importance in PTK. PTK is about achievement – both in the classroom and in the communities we serve.”
Also recognized at the luncheon was Kinley Willis, an All-Virginia Academic Team member and President of MGCC’s PTK chapter. Kinley has provided leadership and support throughout the year and was instrumental in representing MGCC at the event.
“As I reflected on my own journey, I couldn’t help but feel especially proud to be one of the few nursing students honored at the luncheon,” Kinley said. “Balancing the demands of a rigorous nursing program with being President of PTK hasn’t always been easy, but moments like this made every challenge worth it. Being recognized among so many high-achieving students reminded me that academic excellence comes in many forms. It was a powerful reminder that I belong in both the classroom and the wider world of leadership, and I left Richmond more motivated than ever to continue pursuing both my nursing career and my role as a student leader.”
Beyond the luncheon, several MGCC students took part in PTK Catalyst, Phi Theta Kappa’s annual convention held April 3–5 in Kansas City, Missouri. Cat Young attended and joined fellow Coca-Cola Academic Team scholars on stage during the Parade of Scholars at the Hallmark Awards Gala.
“PTK Catalyst helped to introduce me to other officers and chapter members in the Virginia and West Virginia region who I hadn't gotten the chance to meet before then,” Cat said as she reflected on her experience. “It also puts into perspective how big PTK really is, and how many members across the country there are that have shared similar struggles as me to get to where they are now. I found that a lot of the stories told by the speakers resonated with my own, and it was nice to know I am far from alone.”
MacKenzie Carter, another MGCC representative, also attended Catalyst and currently serves as the Virginia/West Virginia Regional Social Media Officer. Her involvement at the regional level underscores her leadership and engagement within PTK.
“As a non-traditional student, I felt I was alone when going through my community college journey. Phi Theta Kappa has taught me this is far from the case,” MacKenzie said. “After attending Catalyst, I was able to connect with a network of hard-working individuals, many in the same emotional boat as me. Phi Theta Kappa welcomes and recognizes these students, while offering a wide range of opportunities. To me, Phi Theta Kappa is more than an honor society, but a community that promotes and celebrates personal and educational growth.”
Mountain Gateway Community College is honored to support and celebrate the exceptional achievements of its PTK students. Through events like the Scholars Luncheon and PTK Catalyst, MGCC reaffirms its commitment to academic excellence, leadership development, and student success.
For more information about PTK, contact Lee Anne Bowling at labowling@mgcc.edu or Rachael Thompson at rthompson@mgcc.edu.
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Dr. John Rainone, President of Mountain Gateway Community College, addresses attendees at the Phi Theta Kappa Scholars Luncheon on April 16, 2025, celebrating academic excellence and student leadership across Virginia's community colleges. MGCC proudly organized the event.
Attendees from across the Commonwealth gather for the Annual Phi Theta Kappa Luncheon on April 16, 2025, organized by Mountain Gateway Community College. The annual event honored the academic achievements and leadership of PTK members from Virginia’s community colleges.