Illinois Valley Community College student Danica Scoma has earned both national and state recognition for her leadership, service, and academic achievements, receiving two highly competitive scholarships through Phi Theta Kappa (PTK).

Scoma, from Utica, was honored as a 2026 PTK New Century Transfer Pathway Scholar after earning the highest score in Illinois during the scholarship selection process. She was also highlighted for the 2026 All-USA Academic Team, a national honor that recognizes the top community college students across the country.

“The PTK New Century Transfer Pathway Scholar program is a highly competitive scholarship program for community college students who plan to transfer to a four-year university,” Scoma stated. “It’s part of the larger PTK scholarship process, where I applied through the All-USA Academic Team competition. What makes the transfer pathway scholarship unique is that only one student from each state is selected, based on things like academic achievement, leadership, community service, and how students go beyond the classroom.”

As part of her recognition, Scoma was able to attend national events where she connected with other high-achieving students and faculty from across the country.

“It was new, and just another form that allowed me to push out of my comfort zone,” she said. “I didn’t think the opportunity for free travel would be open to me, and it was such an amazing experience. I was able to attend conference sessions with other students and college faculty to learn better ways to develop professionally and academically. I also met some wonderful people from the PTK events, which I am truly grateful for.”

Despite the prestige of the awards, Scoma said the recognition came as a surprise.

“Throughout the scholarship process and the travel experiences I was fortunate to have, I kept noticing how much PTK’s values aligned with my own,” she said. “I assumed that the other students I was competing with probably felt the same way, so I never really knew where I stood. When I found out I was being recognized at such a high level, it felt unreal. It was a moment of pride, but also very humbling. What I’ve always seen as my normal life, trying to work hard and help others, was acknowledged in a way I never expected.”

Her involved and active journey at IVCC, where she has taken on multiple leadership roles, helps to show where her success came from.

“I didn’t come to IVCC with the same mindset I am leaving with,” she expressed. “My involvement is the true reason I was able to grow so much as a student and leader. Being a

trustee taught me how to advocate for others, athletics gave me discipline and teamwork, and mentoring helped me connect with and support other students. I started as a freshman, trying everything I could, getting one foot in every door, which got to be stressful and a lot to manage sometimes. But this year, I learned what I liked and stuck with them—which ultimately helped me shape my future plans as well.”

However, balancing those responsibilities did not come without its challenges.

“I faced major amounts of stress between balancing school, work, clubs, family, friends, and especially time for myself,” Scoma stated. “It led to a lot of stress at times. What really helped me overcome it was learning how to advocate for myself and recognize when I needed to take a step back. I also learned to give myself grace and understand that it’s okay to pause and breathe, which made a big difference in how I handled everything.”

Scoma plans to further her education at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where she will pursue a path of global connection and communication.

“I will be Majoring in Communications and minoring in Global Studies and Spanish,” she said. “I love connecting with people, and I want to be able to develop my communication skills in a professional setting to lead organizations, advocate for those who don’t have a voice, and work in a global environment.”

Looking back on her time here at IVCC, Scoma encourages students to take advantage of their opportunities and step outside their comfort zones.

“Put yourself out there,” she stated. “It doesn’t have to be joining every club on campus; it can be as simple as talking to someone new in the student life space. You never know who you will meet or where they will take you, so it’s important always to stay open-minded and optimistic.”

Scoma’s achievements not only show her self-dedication but also help reflect the opportunities available to students who are willing to take risks, get involved, and grow beyond the classroom.