Two MSJC Students Earn Statewide Phi Theta Kappa Honors
6/4/2026
Two Mt. San Jacinto College students have been recognized among California’s top community college scholars after being selected to the 2026 Phi Theta Kappa All-California Academic Team, a prestigious statewide recognition honoring academic achievement, leadership, and community service. This year, only 122 students from California’s 116 community colleges were selected for First, Second, and Third Team honors.
Valerie D. Cortes, a Biology major from Murrieta attending MSJC’s Temecula Valley Campus, was named to the All-California Second Team.
For Cortes, MSJC became a place of transformation and opportunity.
“MSJC is home to many firsts,” Cortes said. “Through leadership, research, and service, I developed a sense of purpose that goes beyond the classroom.”
Throughout her time at MSJC, Cortes built an impressive record of leadership and scholarship, serving as an Inter Club Council Representative, Vice President of the MedXEngineering Club, Vice President of Phi Theta Kappa, and an Honors Mentor. Her academic work also took her beyond campus, presenting research at both the Honors Transfer Council of California Conference at UC Riverside and the Stanford University Honors Research Symposium as an oral presenter.
Valerie D. Cortes
This fall, Cortes will transfer to UC Berkeley to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Biology before continuing toward graduate school and a career in healthcare.
“I am walking into Berkeley with heart and determination,” she said.
Also recognized was Kacey Jordan, a Computer Information Systems: Internet Authoring major from Hemet attending MSJC’s San Jacinto Campus, who earned All-California Third Team recognition.
Jordan’s journey reflects resilience and determination.
“I went from a college dropout to a later-in-life college student about to graduate in just a couple of years,” Jordan said. “I feel very proud of my progress.”
Jordan credits MSJC’s supportive environment with helping create a renewed sense of purpose.
“Before MSJC, I was much less hopeful about my future,” Jordan said. “After MSJC, I’m much more hopeful about my future. It’s given me direction and drive to succeed.”
This fall, Jordan plans to transfer to CSU San Bernardino to study Information Systems and Technology with a concentration in Cybersecurity and pursue a career protecting digital systems and information.
Kacey Jordan, pictured with her dad
Phi Theta Kappa’s All-California Academic Team recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional scholarship, leadership, and service while representing the very best of California community colleges.
“These students represent what makes MSJC special,” said Dr. Roger Schultz, MSJC Superintendent/President. “Their perseverance, leadership, academic excellence, and commitment to their futures inspire all of us.”