Edgecombe Community College Inducts 26 Into International Honor Society

Fall 2026 PTK inductees

Twenty-six Edgecombe Community College 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 ECC campus in 1994, Phi Theta Kappa promotes scholarship, leadership, service and fellowship among high-achieving community college students.

Ami Denton, ECC’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.