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.
“Being named to the PTK All-Massachusetts Team feels like a huge honor,” Rodriguez said. “It 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, MCC 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.”
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 MCC’s 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 MCC nursing student, of Lexington, Heneraliuk appreciated PTK’s 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’s health and helping women through different stages of life, she is considering earning a graduate degree to become a women’s health nurse practitioner or certified nurse midwife. She believes MCC has provided a strong academic and clinical foundation to begin her career.
“As an immigrant student who came to the United States from Ukraine, MCC provided a welcoming and supportive environment that helped me adjust, grow academically, and pursue my dream of becoming a nurse,” Heneraliuk said. “Being 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.”
Since 1918, PTK – the international society for two-year colleges – 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.
“PTK is more than an honor society, it is a gateway to meaningful growth and opportunity,” said Linda Nara, MCC’s Coordinator of Student Leadership Programming. “At MCC, we have a vibrant and dedicated PTK student group that meets regularly to set goals, collaborate on projects, and support one another’s success, creating a strong sense of community and purpose. PTK is also a lifelong membership that offers access to valuable scholarships that support students’ educational journeys and networking opportunities.”