CCCC Phi Theta Kappa students shine at Carolinas Region Honors Institute
SANFORD, N.C. – Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) students from Central Carolina Community College (CCCC) made their mark at the Carolinas Region Honors Institute, held June 27–29 at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The three-day event brought together scholars from across North and South Carolina for collaborative research, leadership development, and high-impact learning experiences.
Representing CCCC’s Beta Sigma Phi chapter, Amya Richardson, chapter president, and Dominique Small, chapter treasurer, attended the institute and contributed as student leaders. This year, CCCC’s Beta Sigma Phi chapter also proudly served as a host chapter for the event, supporting registration, breakout sessions, and hospitality efforts throughout the weekend.
Honors Institute attendees participated in a variety of academic and team-building activities, including mock Honors in Action projects — a signature PTK initiative that challenges students to investigate real-world issues, analyze academic sources, and develop action plans that address needs within their communities.
Students worked in teams to explore this year’s Honors Study Topic and presented their projects before a panel of judges. CCCC students earned first and third place with their team projects — demonstrating not only academic excellence but also leadership, collaboration, and critical thinking skills.
“We’re incredibly proud of the way our students represented CCCC,” said Sarah Shannon-Mohamed, chapter advisor and Director of Onboarding and New Student Programs. “Participating in regional leadership events like this strengthens our students’ confidence, academic voice, and sense of community within PTK and beyond.”
The Carolinas Region Honors Institute is one of several annual events offered by PTK that emphasize scholarship, leadership, service, and fellowship — core pillars of the Phi Theta Kappa experience. For the students of CCCC, the event was not only a chance to grow as leaders but also to deepen their commitment to excellence in and out of the classroom.
Dominique Small, Chapter Treasurer, accepts the Honors Institute Host Award alongside Carolinas Regional Coordinator Sylvia Hayes.
Chapter President Amya Richardson with her group, who earned first place for their Honors in Action project.
Chapter Treasurer Dominique Small with her group, who earned third place for their Honors in Action project.