Five Ozarks Technical Community College students were honored today, Thursday, April 28, at the Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) Student Leadership and Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Awards Luncheon. At the event, hosted by Stephens College in Columbia, one OTC student was recognized for his leadership; four other students were named to the Missouri All-Academic Team.
MCCA Student Leadership Award
OTC Table Rock Student Conner Wilkinson earned the MCCA Student Leadership Award, which is presented annually to one exceptional student leader at each of Missouri’s 12 community colleges. Conner is in his third year at OTC. He already has an associate degree in computer information science from the college, and in May, he will earn a degree in business. Conner works as a learning coach at the Table Rock campus, where he tutors and instructs fellow students while also providing technical support. A Marine Corps veteran, Conner plans to transfer to Missouri State in the fall to pursue a bachelor’s degree in information technology.
Phi Theta Kappa All-Missouri Team
Four OTC students were named to Phi Theta Kappa’s All Missouri Team. The PTK All-Missouri Team recognizes high-achieving two-year college students who demonstrate academic excellence, intellectual rigor, leadership, and service that extends their education beyond the classroom to benefit society.
     First Team PTK All-Missouri Team
- Stevi Kay Berry will transfer to Missouri State University in the fall, where she plans to pursue a speech and theatre education degree. Her long-term plans include a career in politics.
- Crystal Brinell is pursuing a dental hygiene degree. Crystal was recently named a New Century Workforce Scholar.
   Second Team PTK All-Missouri Team
- Brandy Koke-Boomgarn is a practical nursing student at OTC. She plans to earn her Associate of Science in Nursing degree and then enter the workforce.
- Devon Dembinski pursued a professional golf career before starting college at OTC. He’s studying business and will transfer to the University of Missouri in the fall. Devon plans to become a financial advisor.
Since 1994, Missouri has honored outstanding PTK scholar-leaders with a state academic team program.
The Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) is the advocacy group for the state’s 12 community colleges.
Phi Theta Kappa is the largest international honor society for students at two-year colleges.