The Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) International Honor Society named two Collin College students, Michelle Davis of Allen and Alexa Acosta of Plano, to the exclusive 2014 All-USA Academic Team.
Acosta and Davis joined 18 other college students from across the U.S. who were selected from more than 1,700 nominees. 
Nominees are hand-selected by colleges for showing intellectual rigor and for demonstrating academic leadership and civic growth. The program also recognizes students who extend their community college education to better themselves, their colleges and their surrounding communities.
“Michelle and Alexa are perfect examples of the academic excellence at Collin College,” said Mac Hendricks, who chairs the Collin College Board of Trustees. “They are role models in the classroom, on campus and in the community, so we are delighted that they have been recognized.”
Davis and Acosta each will receive a $2,500 scholarship and a special medallion to wear with their graduation regalia. Davis was the top scorer in the state earning an additional award as the 2014 Coca-Cola New Century Scholar for Texas, which comes with a $2,000 scholarship and plaque from the Coca-Cola Foundation and Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation. PTK surprised Acosta with an additional $5,000 scholarship for her selection as a Guistwhite Scholar.
Davis is an aspiring tax attorney, who plans to transfer to a university in fall to pursue a bachelor’s degree followed by law school. She is president of Collin College’s PTK chapter and a member of the PTK All-Texas Academic Team as well as the Political Science Club, Mock Trial Team and Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Power Breakfast committee. She served as a senator with the Student Government Association and was named an Emerging Scholar at Collin College in both Accounting and Government. Her community volunteerism includes Ronald McDonald House, the Celina Balloon Festival and Resolana, a program of Volunteers of America in addition to church and mission activities.
“I am overwhelmed with joy and gratitude,” Davis said. “The opportunities I have been given at Collin College, the dedication of my outstanding professors and advisors, and the unconditional love and support I received from my family and friends enabled me to succeed. My most sincere thanks to the college for changing my life and making me better.”
Acosta is a gifted artist who plans to major in marketing and business at a university this fall. She is the vice president of leadership for PTK at Collin College, a member of the PTK All-Texas Academic Team and a nominee for best chapter officer in the district. She also has served as a member of the Lion’s Club, Black Student Organization, MLK Power Breakfast Committee and the Collin College Young Adult Council of the League of United Latin American Citizens. She volunteered locally through Bowman Middle School’s Communities in Schools program, the Addison Exchange Project, Relay for Life and Minnie’s Food Pantry.
Acosta said, “I am humbled and feel incredibly blessed to have received this honor. Words cannot express my gratitude towards my family and friends who have supported me throughout my educational journey, and especially Collin College for providing me the opportunities to develop myself beyond my expectations.”