Scoma awarded 2 PTK scholarships

Illinois Valley Community College student Danica Scoma has been recognized for her academic accomplishment, leadership, and campus and community service by Phi Theta Kappa, the community college honor society.

Scoma, of Utica, received the highest score in the state in a fall scholarship competition and was named a 2026 PTK New Century Transfer Pathway Scholar. She was also selected as a member of the prestigious 2026 All-USA Academic Team, which recognizes the top 20 of the nation’s community college students.

Only one New Century Transfer Scholar is selected from each state, and more than 2,300 students from 1,400 college campuses nationwide were nominated. As a New Century Transfer Pathway Scholar, Scoma will receive a $2,750 scholarship and be recognized at a luncheon on March 27 in Baltimore, Maryland.

“We congratulate Danica for receiving this prestigious scholarship, and we are honored to partner with the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation and The Coca-Cola Foundation to recognize these outstanding achievements,” said Phi Theta Kappa’s President and CEO Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner.

As an All-USA Academic Team member, Scoma will receive a $3,000 scholarship, a medallion and be recognized at the PTK’s Presidents Breakfast in Seattle, Washington, on April 13.

"The All-USA program is a prestigious recognition of a student's exceptional abilities both in and outside of the classroom,” Amanda Karpinski-Gorman, Director of the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation, said. “These students are selected for their resilience, creativity, and ingenuity in tackling global and local challenges. We are incredibly proud of the individuals named to the 2026 team and eagerly anticipate the continued impact they will make."

IVCC students have received PTK scholarships over the years but Scoma’s achievement stands out, said PTK advisor Eric Schroeder. “Earning multiple distinguished awards speaks not only to academic excellence but to the determination, hard work and drive that will continue throughout Danica’s educational and professional journey,” said Schroeder.

Scoma is the 2025-26 Student Trustee to the College Board of Trustees, plays soccer on the College team and is a peer mentor. She plans to attend The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in the fall to study Global Studies: Communications and Spanish.