Also Selected as State’s New Century Transfer Scholar
Nina Kezys, a student at Suffolk County Community College and a psychology major from East Northport, has been selected as one of 20 college students nationwide named to the prestigious 2025 All-USA Academic Team and has also been chosen as New York’s 2025 New Century Transfer Scholar. Kezys was chosen from among more than 2,000 nominees for each award. She will earn a $5,000 scholarship for the All-USA Academic Team honor, and an additional $2,250 scholarship as a New Century Transfer Scholar.
These awards recognize Kezys’s outstanding academic achievements, leadership, and commitment to community service. Maintaining a 4.0 GPA and earning Dean’s List recognition for the past two semesters, she has demonstrated excellence both inside and outside the classroom. As vice president of the Rotaract Community Service Club and vice president of membership for the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society, she has contributed significantly to the college community. Additionally, Kezys plays on the women’s soccer team, serves as a peer mentor overseeing the Michael J. Grant Campus Food Pantry, and actively participates in the campus Honors and Psychology clubs.
Kezys will receive her awards during the American Association of Community Colleges’ (AACC) annual national convention taking place in Nashville in April.
Dr. Edward Bonahue, president of Suffolk County Community College, praised Kezys’s accomplishments. “Nina’s dedication to academic excellence, leadership, and service embodies the very best of Suffolk County Community College,” he said. “Her commitment to making a difference on campus is truly inspiring. We are incredibly proud of her achievements and know she will continue to make a lasting impact everywhere she goes.”
The All-USA Academic Team is among the nation’s premier academic honors for students pursuing an associate degree. Nominees must be able to demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and community engagement. Sponsored by the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) national honor society, the program celebrates students who leverage their community college experience to better themselves, improve their schools, and positively impact their communities.
The New Century Transfer Scholar is an honor given to only one student from each state. The program is sponsored by the Coca-Cola Foundation and the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, with support from Phi Theta Kappa, and the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC).