Pratt Community College Celebrates Outstanding Students at All-Kansas Scholars Award Ceremony
Published on: May 5, 2026
Pratt Community College proudly recognized two exceptional students during the 2025–2026 Phi Theta Kappa All-Kansas Scholars Award Ceremony, held Friday, May 1, at the Delmar Riney Art Gallery on campus. Felicity Joplin and Francesca Battaglia were honored as this year’s All-Kansas Scholars, a distinction awarded to only a select group of students from community colleges across the state. Typically, just two to four students from each institution are chosen, making this recognition a significant academic achievement.
The ceremony welcomed family, friends, faculty, and staff to celebrate the scholars’ hard work, leadership, and academic excellence. Interim President Monette DePew opened the program with welcoming remarks, followed by an introduction of the scholars from PTK Advisor Dr. Jason Ratcliffe. Special remarks were also shared by Kip Chambers and Lori Montgomery before the formal presentation of awards.
“We are very proud of our small chapter of PTK students here at PCC. They are hardworking and intelligent. They represent very well the Pratt community and the college. Francesca and Felicity are particularly good examples of the type of student we have here at PCC. They add a lot to the community, and they will go far when they leave. We wish them the best of luck.” – Dr. Jason Ratcliffe, History and Political Science Instructor & Phi Theta Kappa Advisor
Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for two-year colleges, was established in 1918 and recognizes high-achieving students who have completed at least 12 credit hours and maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA. The All-Kansas Scholars program is part of a broader national recognition effort, highlighting students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement. Pratt Community College’s Phi Theta Kappa chapter, Phi Zeta, has been active since 1970 and continues to support student success through scholarship opportunities, leadership development, and service.
The event concluded with a reception, giving attendees the opportunity to personally congratulate the scholars and celebrate their accomplishments. Through recognition programs like the All-Kansas Scholars Award, Pratt Community College continues to highlight the achievements of its students and the impact they will make in their communities and beyond.