WORCESTER—Two Quinsigamond Community College students were recognized earlier this month by the Massachusetts Association of Community Colleges for their induction into the 2025 Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) All-State Academic Team.
QCC students Deanna Kelsaw and Vijay Kesavan were among 33 students statewide honored during a ceremony held at the Massachusetts State House.
“It is an honor to have two of our outstanding PTK students, Deanna and Vijay, recognized as members of the state’s All-Academic Team,” QCC President Luis Pedraja, Ph.D., said in a statement. “Their achievements are a testament to what can be accomplished through hard work, dedication, and determination.”
Phi Theta Kappa is an international honor society that recognizes academic achievement at two-year colleges. Students nominated to the national All-USA Academic Team are automatically placed on the state-level teams. To be eligible, students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 on a 4.0 scale.
Kelsaw, who earned a certificate in medical assisting, credited the PTK community for helping guide her academic and professional journey, especially as she navigated challenges related to her cochlear implants.
“At first, when I thought about a career, I was not sure what I wanted to do because I have cochlear implants and limitations,” she said. “Once you become a Phi Theta Kappa member, you are never truly alone.”
She plans to continue her studies and become a registered nurse.
Kesavan, who is transferring to Worcester Polytechnic Institute in the fall, reflected on the experience of attending the ceremony.
“I was very happy to have been recognized,” he said. “I had never been to the State House before, so getting to go there for an event like the recognition ceremony was an amazing experience.”
QCC’s Alpha Zeta Theta chapter of PTK offers students leadership and service opportunities and has earned several regional and national awards.
Have news, tips, or a story worth telling? Reach Editor Charlene Arsenault at carsenault@theworcesterguardian.org—because good stories (and great scoops) deserve to be shared.
