BETHLEHEM, PA – Five students from Northampton Community College (NCC) made this year’s All-Pennsylvania (All-PA) Academic Team, which consists of 55 students representing 14 community colleges from across Pennsylvania. The honor recognizes high achieving college students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership and service that extends their education beyond the classroom. The All-Pennsylvania Academic Team is sponsored by Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), which is the international honor society for two-year colleges, along with the Coca Cola Corporation, the State System of Higher Education (PASSHE), and the Pennsylvania Commission for Community Colleges (PACCC).
2025 All-PA Academic Team
Transfer Scholars
Karolina Zakova, Bethlehem
Myo Ei Thanzin, Bethlehem
Amanda Alfaro, Pocono
Alexis Stapleton, Pocono
Workforce Scholar
Debra Leedy, Bethlehem
President of NCC, David A. Ruth, Ph.D., said, “These students have shown exceptional leadership both in the classroom and through their extracurricular involvement. Being selected for this team is a testament to all they’ve accomplished at NCC and the meaningful impact they’ve had on the community. I can’t wait to see what they’ll achieve next!”
Students are selected for the All-PA Academic Team based on a thorough nomination and application process. The 2025 scholars are made up of 43 Transfer Pathway students and 12 Workforce Pathway students.
Transfer Pathway honorees plan to transfer to a four-year college after graduation. They must have completed at least 36 credits at a community college with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher. Pennsylvania’s community colleges partner with the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) to provide Transfer Pathway students with tuition waivers at any PASSHE school. One of the Transfer Pathway Scholars, Amanda Alfaro, is also a 2025 Coca-Cola Academic Team Gold Scholar and will receive a $1,500 scholarship.
Workforce Pathway honorees plan to enter the workforce after completing a certificate or associate degree at a community college. Workforce Pathway students must have a minimum of 12 college-level credit hours at a community college and a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher.
The students were recognized with other award recipients state-wide in Harrisburg on April 8. Congratulations to this year’s All-PA Academic Team!
About Northampton Community College
With an enduring commitment to the regional communities it serves and a focus on student success, Northampton Community College is an educational institution of extraordinary distinction, earning accolades at the state and national levels for innovative programs, outstanding faculty, and impressive student achievements. It counts among its successful alumni a four-time Pulitzer Prize winner and an Academy Award winning director, as well as a host of CEOs, presidents, and leaders of business and industry. Today, Northampton Community College has locations in Bethlehem, Southside Bethlehem, and Monroe County, serving 30,000 students annually from 53 counties, 42 countries, and 25 states. For more information or to apply, please visit northampton.edu. Follow NCC’s President on X @NCCPresDaveRuth, and the college on LinkedIn, Instagram @NorthamptonCommCollege, TikTok @NorthamptonCC, and Facebook.
