As Community College Month continues, Maricopa Community Colleges is celebrating 24 students from its 10 colleges who were honored for their outstanding academic achievements, strong leadership skills, and dedication to community service at the 2026 All-Arizona Academic Team Recognition Ceremony on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
Among the system’s 24 All-Arizona honorees, seven were named 2026 Coca-Cola Academic Team scholars. The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation sponsors the national Coca-Cola Academic Team program by recognizing scholars from across the country with nearly $200,000 in scholarships annually. Additionally, one honoree received dual honors as a 2026 All-USA Community College Academic Team member and a 2026 New Century Transfer scholar.
“Community colleges are the cornerstones of higher education,” said Dr. Steven R. Gonzales, Maricopa Community Colleges Chancellor, during the ceremony. “We are the nation’s workforce engines, preparing a pipeline of students to address critical labor shortages. We deliver the best educational return on investment. It’s not just about affordability, but the measurable results a student gains once they earn a credential.”
The Big Picture
All-Arizona honorees were selected based on their GPA of 3.50 or higher, good academic standing while working toward an associate degree, and involvement in volunteerism and service on their campus or in their community.
Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society of two-year colleges and academic programs, the American Association of Community Colleges, Arizona Community Colleges, Arizona Board of Regents, and Follett Higher Education Group assist students in reaching their educational goals by awarding scholarships and issuing tuition waivers for Arizona’s three state universities: Arizona State University (ASU), Northern Arizona University (NAU) and the University of Arizona (U of A).
Meet This Year’s Honorees
Chandler-Gilbert Community College
- Layla Arledge–Planning to transfer to ASU to pursue a bachelor’s in political science and philosophy.
- Amanda Davis–Transferring to ASU’s Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation to complete her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and pursue graduate education as a women’s health nurse practitioner.
- Mia Ferguson–A Coca-Cola Academic Team scholar planning to transfer to ASU’s pre-dental program to pursue a bachelor’s in applied biological sciences.
- Cash Pace–Transferring to ASU’s Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.
Estrella Mountain Community College
- Aaron Jenkins–Planning to transfer to ASU to complete his bachelor’s in psychology.
- Sabrina Nazari–Transferring to ASU’s Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering to earn a bachelor’s in computer systems engineering.
GateWay Community College
- Elisa Camou Josytewa–Transferring to ASU to continue exploring business pathways.
- Samantha Kapanak–Transferring to ASU to complete a bachelor's in biomedical engineering.
Glendale Community College
- Grace Kelley–Transferring to ASU to pursue a career in illustration, animation, and character design.
- Daniel Telles–Transferring to Grand Canyon University to earn a bachelor’s in computer science with an emphasis on big data.
- Merrick Tipton–Planning to attend ASU to pursue a bachelor’s and later a doctorate, both in psychology.
Mesa Community College
- Toni-Ann Gardner–Planning to transfer to ASU to earn a bachelor’s in graphic information technology.
- Pranay Modha–A Coca-Cola Academic Team scholar planning to transfer to the U of A’s College of Science to complete a bachelor’s in computer science.
- Lena Nape–Transferring to ASU to earn a bachelor's in fine arts with an emphasis in painting.
- David Robinson–Transferring to ASU to complete his medical school prerequisites, then apply to the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine.
Paradise Valley Community College
- Ryan Harlan–Recently transferred to the ASU Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering to earn a master’s in computer science.
- Ifeyinawa Obiadi–Planning to transfer to NAU to earn her Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Phoenix College
- Olina Fong–A Coca-Cola Academic Team scholar transferring to ASU, double-majoring in business entrepreneurship and accountancy.
Rio Salado College
- Marielena Aguirre Foster–Transferring to ASU’s Barrett, The Honors College to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Public Service and Public Policy with a concentration in health policy.
- Goldine Johnson-Pompey–A Coca-Cola Academic Team scholar planning to transfer to the U of A to study law.
Scottsdale Community College
- Simone Bedi–An All-USA Team scholar and New Century Transfer scholar transferring to ASU to earn a bachelor’s in psychology and biological sciences.
- Alexia Neal–A Coca-Cola Academic Team scholar planning to transfer to ASU's Sidney Poitier New American Film School to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film and Media Production.
South Mountain Community College
- Fardeen Imran–Planning to transfer to the W.P. Carey School of Business at ASU to earn a bachelor's degree.
- Natalyia Torres–A Coca-Cola Academic Team scholar planning to transfer to ASU’s Mary Lou Fulton School of Teaching and Learning Innovation to pursue a bachelor’s in education.
Judging the All-Arizona Academic Teams
All-Arizona Academic Teams are judged in three rounds. First-round judges consist of local businesses and civic, education, and government leaders. The second- and third-round judging occurs in Washington, D.C., by representatives from federal agencies and national education associations. Scores from the national competition are used to rank the students for the state team. First Team members will each receive a $1,000 scholarship, Second Team members a $750 scholarship, and Third Team members a $500 scholarship.
New Century Transfer scholars receive up to an additional $2,750 in scholarship funds.
All-USA team scholars receive up to an additional $3,000 scholarship, medallion, and certificate awarded during the 2026 American Association of Community Colleges annual convention, which was held April 10-14 in Seattle.
Learn more about Maricopa Community Colleges at maricopa.edu.