Rappahannock Community College Students Inducted into Honor Society
Rappahannock Community College (RCC) welcomed 47 students into Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), Alpha Lambda Omicron Chapter, Honor Society in a recent ceremony held at Essex High School. PTK is an international honor society recognizing full-time, two-year college students who maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Members receive opportunities for scholarships, develop leadership skills, and participate in volunteer activities.
RCC President Dr. Shannon Kennedy welcomed the students and their guests. “What an honor it is to be part of the premier community college honor society in the country,” said Kennedy. “You should be proud of your grades, your heart of service, and your dedication to academics and community—what you have done and what you will do in the future.”
Featured speaker Jesse Fortune told the students that just three years ago she never imagined she would be standing in front of them offering encouragement and advice. She teaches history at the Haynesville Correctional Center, a dual enrollment history course at King William High School, and recently began leading online Western History classes for RCC. An RCC graduate herself, Fortune exemplifies the mission and values of the college. She recently received the George B. Vaughan Leadership Award for Outstanding Adjunct Faculty award, presented by the Virginia Community College System that recognizes adjunct faculty members across the state who make a significant impact in the classroom and in their communities.
“Education is a way to transform lives and build bridges. As the first in my family to go to college, I encourage you not to stop here,” said Fortune. “Challenge yourself, be the best version of yourself. This is a milestone, not the finish line.”
This year’s inductees are:
Mackenzie Alcorn (Gloucester), Sheena Allen (Tappahannock), Shelby Anderson (Colonial Beach), Paris Bacon (Champlain), Brandon Banks (Lanexa), Tyler Brent (White Stone), Lamar Brodie (Williamsburg), Delaney Brown (King George), Leah Brown (Aylett), Tabatha Caldwell (King George), Sarah Coffee (Manquin), Anna Cox (King George), Ronan Fanning (Colonial Beach), Savannah Francis (Millers Tavern), Morgan Gooch (Montross), Justin Henley (Quinton), Grace Hott (Aylett), Remington Houk (Warsaw), Lily Hughes (Heathsville), Alexandria Hunt-Quarles (Tappahannock), Aidan Imsande (King & Queen Court House), Madison Jones (Callao), Ethan Lantz (Shacklefords), Gabrielle Lewis (Warsaw), Mackenzie Loveland (Providence Forge), Samantha Madren (Aylett), Thomas Moore (Quinton), Lily Newman (New Kent), Zachary Pardee (King George), Chloe Phillips (Providence Forge), Patricia Rivera (Saluda), Kaelyn Ryan (Providence Forge), Georges Saison (Warsaw), Ayla Saunders (White Stone), Susan Saunders (Gloucester), Allison Smith (West Point), Hailey Smith (Colonial Beach), Coin Snapp (New Kent), Jonah Sorrell (Providence Forge), Avery Stahl (Urbanna), Joyce Taliaferro (Shacklefords), Sydney Wagner (Tappahannock), Aundrea Wells (Gloucester), Madelyn White (Providence Forge), Lexionna Williamson (Tappahannock), Margaret Winter (Sandston), Haley Wood (King George).
Two current PTK students were named to the PTK 2025 All-Virginia Academic Team. Kayleigh Brown and Destinee Fields were among the students from across Virginia recognized by Virginia Community College System (VCCS) Chancellor Dr. David Doré at a luncheon in Richmond.
Fortune concluded her remarks to the students with this, “You belong. You belong on this stage and in the rooms where decisions are made, in labs where discoveries happen, and in your communities. Keep lifting others as you rise.”
PTK is the first honor society recognizing academic achievement of students at two-year degree colleges and helps them grow as scholars and leaders. RCC’s faculty advisors leading the PTK chapter are Math professors Rachel Caterisano and Dr. Mukta Bhandari.
