NORTH CANTON, Ohio, April 14, 2026 – Three Stark State College students are among a select group of students from Ohio’s 22 community colleges honored for their excellence in academics, leadership and community service as part of the 2026 All-Ohio Community College Academic Team.

Danielle Starry was named first team All-Ohio Academic Team and the New Century Workforce Scholar for the state of Ohio. Madison King and Sarah Wilson were named third team All-Ohio Academic Team, transfer pathway. The program is a partnership between the Ohio Association of Community Colleges (OACC), Phi Theta Kappa national honor society and event sponsors Honda, Franklin University and KeyBank.

The top-performing students were nominated by college faculty, staff and leaders. In addition to first-, second- and third-team honorees, the All-Ohio Academic Team also includes high-achieving students who are planning to move directly into the workforce. This year’s honorees will be recognized at a recognition ceremony and luncheon in Columbus on April 23. As Ohio’s New Century Workforce Scholar, Starry will provide remarks at the event.

Also, for the 22nd consecutive year, Stark State College’s chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society earned the Five Star Chapter designation, presented at the recent Ohio Region Awards Convention at Clark State College. Danette Bosh Alexander, Ph.D., dean of the division of learning and engagement at Stark State, earned the 2026 Distinguished Administrator Award for the Ohio Region. Shari Brooks, director of student leadership and engagement at Stark State, was this year’s Horizon Advisor Award winner.

Other Stark State PTK honors included:

• Named Top Five Chapter in Ohio, 2025 REACH Chapter and Most Distinguished Chapter – Eastern District
• 2026 New Century Workforce Pathway Scholar: Danielle Starry
• 2026 Distinguished Chapter Officer Award: I’Kia Martin, who won the Ohio region and international levels
• 2026 Most Distinguished Ohio Regional Officer: Madison King
• Regional President Award of Appreciation and Catalyst Flag Bearer: Ben Nash
• 2026 Best Honors in Action Project, Distinguished Theme Award and Second Place Scholar Bowl Competition