RCC inducts second-largest cohort at Spring 2026 Phi Theta Kappa Ceremony
Randolph Community College’s Beta Theta Rho Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society inducted 88 new members during its Spring 2026 Induction Ceremony on Saturday, April 25, in the R. Alton Cox Learning Resources Center Auditorium.
This year’s ceremony marked the second-largest induction class in the chapter’s 27-year history, highlighting the continued academic excellence of RCC students.
President/CEO Dr. Shah Ardalan praised the inductees for their accomplishments and challenged them to extend their impact beyond themselves.
Randolph Community College graduate and Phi Theta Kappa member Jaiden Williams speaks at the College’s 2026 Spring PTK Induction Ceremony on Saturday, April 25, in the R. Alton Cox Learning Resources Center Auditorium.
“You are the best of the best that we have,” he said. “At Randolph Community College, everything we do is about creating Access that leads to Success, and you are living examples of that mission. You have chosen a college committed to excellence, and you have risen to meet that standard. Now my challenge to you is simple — bring someone else along with you. Help open the door for others so they can experience the same opportunities you have.”
The ceremony also featured an alumni spotlight from Jaiden Williams, a 2023 RCC graduate who has since earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and is pursuing a career in social work.
“RCC is not a steppingstone — it’s a foundation,” she said. “Phi Theta Kappa helped me build my foundation, my navigation, and my inspiration.”
Dr. Lisa Carlson, Vice President for Student Success at RCC, delivered the keynote address, encouraging students to view the honor as a starting point rather than a destination.
“This is not a finish line — it’s a calling,” Carlson said. “Don’t let this be the peak. This is the platform.”
Clark Adams, English/Communication Instructor and Phi Theta Kappa advisor, welcomed the crowd and emphasized the importance of providing students with the opportunity to join an academic honors society that focuses on leadership and service.
Elizabeth York, 2026 Phi Theta Kappa President and a member of the junior class at Randolph Early College High School, led the formal induction process alongside Carlson.
The ceremony included musical performances by PTK alumni Paulina Escobar (pianist) and Sophia and Sarah Wright (violist and violinist) and the formal induction of new members, followed by a reception in the Armadillo Café hosted by PTK advisors Ellen Adams (Math Instructor), Dolores Vargas Benavides (Spanish Instructor), and Gabby Nall (Spanish Instructor).
PTK is the official honor society for two-year colleges, recognizing students for academic achievement while providing opportunities for leadership, service, and personal growth. RCC’s Beta Theta Rho Chapter was established in 1999. PTK recognizes students who meet rigorous academic standards, including maintaining a high grade point average, and emphasizes four core principles: Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Fellowship.
In addition to Saturday’s induction, Phi Theta Kappa officers and advisors attended the Phi Theta Kappa Regional Convention at South Piedmont Community College on March 6 and 7, where the chapter received the following awards for its work in 2025:
- 2nd Finalist Most Distinguished Chapter,
- Distinguished Chapter Award,
- Distinguished College Project,
- Distinguished Honors in Action Project,
- Five-Star Chapter Level (23rd year in a row),
- Carolinas Region Super Star Award,
- Certificate of Excellence for the Carolinas Region Honors in Action Project,
- Certificate of Excellence for the Carolinas Region Service Project.
(All hometowns are in N.C. unless otherwise noted.)
Archdale: Imaan Abdul, Alyssa Kaye Cruey, Charleigh Rose Harris, An Tam On.
Asheboro: Lindsey Allison Aguila, Yesenia Alvarez Carrillo, Dilla Anabell Amador, Roberto Antonio Amador, Karen Nicole Ashley, Gavin Douglas Bullins, Gabriela Chareo Gamboa, Megan Janna-Marie Mallory Cheek, Natalie Elizabeth Danner, Fallon Rose Davis, Cristin Alissa Dawkins, Naomi Morgan Gomez, Jasmine Star Greene, Samantha Paige Helms, Allie Brooke Henley, Lily Cristina Hernandez, Lydia Grace Hill, Taylor McKenzie Hoskins, Hailey Elizabeth Hunter, Ethan William Jordan, Brady Ryan Kearns, Yoana Lopez Bautista, Elizabeth Riley Nichols, Emmanuel Ramirez Bolanos, Sebastian Garcia Ramos, Giselle Sierra Ratchford, Geona Ilene Ratchford, Lillee Faith Sharpe, Charlotte Walker Smith, Sianna Jaylen Stefanov, Tim’meriya Leshona Wright, Laryssa Kristin Wuorenma.
Bennett: Alison Mae Collins.
Biscoe: Norma Patricia Barajas-Alvarado.
Climax: Gracelyn Lou Gregory, Patience Ann Keller, Ava Lynn Mounts.
Denton: Jasmine Rebollar Perez.
Elm City: Payton Ella Mychell Mayle.
Franklinville: Grace Ann O’Brien.
Greensboro: Mason Harrison Hauer, Abigail Rose Jones, Parker William Braxton Pegram.
High Point: Marjolie Jayne Johnson, Aiden Gage Pearman.
Jamestown: Kenneth Stauber Wilson IV.
Kings Mountain: Denise Marie Morris.
Lexington: Jordan Nathaniel Deaton.
Liberty: Aaron Alexander Dixon, Taylor Michelle Flinchum, Blanca Lidia Ruiz-Pacheco. Gabriela Solis, MacKenzie Jo White.
Ramseur: Madison Grace Baxter, Brittany Lyn Golden, Ivan Alexis Hernandez, Olivia Grace Jessup, Katia Marquez Reyes, Araceli Sosa-Marcos, Allison Cruz Villagrana.
Randleman: Sarah Samiento Flores, Grayson Ray Hall, Raynae Mattlyn Hinesley, Lillian Aurora Christin Lockamy, Wyatt Daniel Meck, Nathan Saul Murillo, Alisa Renee Shaw, Joshua Andrew Sutton.
Seagrove: Kaylah Dawn Anderson, Nicole Bernabe Garcia, Julynne Kate Busick, Haileigh Vera Griffin, Chelsea Ann King, Kyra Makay Needham.
Sophia: Maggie Caroline Gregory.
Staley: Addison Claire Pike.
Star: Marsha Sue Lynthacum.
Thomasville: Evany Juarez Esparza.
Trinity: Miah Faye Aldridge-Williams, Colin Todd Howell, Jessie Ann Lewis, Danielle Grace Riley, Jocelyn Noelle Tamburro.
Warrensville: Cassie Jane Patterson.
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About Beta Theta Rho: Randolph Community College’s Phi Theta Kappa chapter, Beta Theta Rho, is in its 27th year and has proudly maintained 5-Star status, the society’s highest level of achievement, for 23 consecutive years. Phi Theta Kappa is the international honor society for two-year colleges, recognizing outstanding students and fostering scholarship, leadership, service, and fellowship.
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About Randolph Community College: Randolph Community College (RCC), under the leadership of President/CEO Dr. Shah Ardalan, is committed to providing relevant career training and educational opportunities. Ranked No. 1 in North Carolina by Niche.com, the College offers affordable degrees and short-term certificate programs that start throughout the year, both in person and online. To register, visit randolph.edu/register or call 336-633-0200 and expect to engage with the most competent and compassionate team of faculty and staff.