Four MSJC students receive All-California awards

Press release from Mt. San Jacinto College:

Four Mt. San Jacinto College students were named 2023 Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) All-California Competition award recipients. MSJC was one of only a few colleges in the state with four or more winners.

Kyra Brantley-Hughes, Jessica Hulett, Drashuna Pilcher, and Crystal Uribe are among the list of 112 California community college students selected for All-American First, Second, and Third Teams.

PTK provides funds for national scholarship programs including the All-USA Academic Team Scholarship, the New Century Pathway Scholarship, and the Coca-Cola Academic Team Scholarship. One nomination from each college is submitted for the All-USA Academic Team, which qualifies the student for national competition for the three national awards.

Jessica Hulett, member of the 2023 PTK All-California team, was selected as a 2023 Coca-Cola Academic Team Silver Scholar among more than 2,400 applicants.

“Words can’t describe how honored I feel earning this scholarship,” Hulett said. “I never thought I'd be selected and recognized for my achievements in college and contributions to the community.”

Measures for the All-California teams and scholar awards are based on the student’s grades, leadership, and community service.

The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation sponsors the Coca-Cola Academic Team program by recognizing 50 Gold, 50 Silver, and 50 Bronze Scholars awarding nearly $200,000 in scholarships each year. Hulett earned a $1,250 scholarship.

A mother of five, resident of Hemet, and second-year student in Business Administration, Hulett re-enrolled at MSJC in 2019 after a 20-year gap. During her time at MSJC, she served as finance officer with Phi Theta Kappa, a mentor for the Honors Enrichment program, and a peer tutor. She will graduate in May and transfer to Purdue University in the fall. Her career goal is to create a non-profit company offering certified public accounting services to not-for-profit organizations.

Hulett was encouraged by her mentor and communications professor, Jennifer Baney, to apply for the scholarship. Baney believed Hulett was commendable of the award based on her superior academics and contributions to the Honors Program, MSJC students and the community. Hulett volunteers her time to the community of Idyllwild.

This program is sponsored by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation and administered by Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Scholars will be recognized at a statewide ceremony and internationally during Phi Theta Kappa’s annual convention in Columbus, Ohio, April 20-22.