The Colorado Community College System (CCCS) has recognized five Morgan Community College (MCC) students for their outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and dedication to community service. MCC’s distinguished honorees include Angela Gomez and Maria Gomez, Rising Star Award recipients; Jorge (Jay) Hernandez, honored as an Inclusive Excellence Champion; and Angela Gomez, Tonya Dory, and Katie Little, who were selected for the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) All-Colorado Academic Team.
MCC Rising Star recipient Maria Gomez was selected for her outstanding leadership on campus and in the community. She is the MCC Student Government Association President, STEM Club Vice President, and a PTK member. Gomez is deeply involved in STEM research, STEM campus activities, and K-12 STEM outreach. She participated in a research project that studied methane in the atmosphere and took part in a STEM field trip to Yellowstone National Park.
Maria Gomez balances tutoring, organizing study groups, and leading student initiatives while excelling academically. A high-achieving student who is pursuing an Associate of Science in Biology, she has earned Summa Cum Laude honors, multiple scholarships, and leadership awards. Gomez plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree from the University of Colorado – Denver, followed by a master’s degree in a STEM field. In her free time, she enjoys skateboarding, painting, and spending time with her niece.
Jorge (Jay) Hernandez was named MCC’s Inclusive Excellence Champion. This award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a strong commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment on their campuses. Hernandez is a dedicated student leader at MCC and is actively involved in Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), Student Government Association (SGA), and the Game Club. He has a strong passion for community engagement and is committed to bettering Fort Morgan, including helping organize community events to bring people together.
Hernandez’s leadership extends beyond event planning—he strives to make MCC a comfortable space for all students. Jay Hernandez takes the time to engage with students in hallways and common areas, ensuring they feel seen and heard. His initiative to attend various MCC club meetings demonstrates his dedication to understanding and representing his peers well in his Student Government Association role. Beyond his academic and leadership roles, Hernandez is passionate about photography and plans to transfer to MSU.
Tonya Dory was selected to represent MCC on the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) All-Colorado Academic Team, a group of high-achieving students from the thirteen community colleges throughout the Colorado Community College System.
Dory is a first-generation MCC student pursuing an associate’s degree in Nursing with plans to earn her master’s in the field. After setting this goal thirty-five years ago, she is determined to achieve it, motivated by her desire to serve others and set an example for her five adult children.
A deeply compassionate and driven individual, Dory’s passion for nursing was reignited after experiencing the loss of her fifth child. She aims to become a labor and delivery nurse, then a nurse coach and educator, working to bridge language barriers in healthcare through ESL medical education. With a 4.0 GPA, perseverance, and strong support system, she is committed to succeeding in her nursing career.
Katie Little was named to the PTK All-Colorado Academic Team. Little has a passion for entrepreneurship and is pursuing an Associate of Applied Science degree with an emphasis in business management, marketing, and administration. She is a non-traditional student and single mother who draws strength from overcoming challenges and is determined to build a better future for her son.
Little’s long-term goal in returning to earn her business degree is to strengthen her skills, expand her face painting business, and launch new ventures, including an eco-friendly product line. As a Phi Theta Kappa member, she values the camaraderie and learning opportunities the honor society offers.
Angela Gomez has been honored with a Rising Star Award and was also recognized as a member of the PTK All-Colorado Academic Team. Gomez serves as MCC’s representative on the CCCS State Student Advisory Council (SSAC), where she works with students from community colleges across the state to help shape policy at the System level. She was selected to fill the role of Legislative Liaison for SSAC.
A passionate and engaged student leader, Gomez is part of the MCC Student Government Association and is the Secretary of the STEM Club. She is currently pursuing a degree in Political Science and plans to transfer to a four-year university to continue her education. Gomez is deeply committed to K-12 outreach and frequently volunteers at STEM-focused events. Known for her strong sense of justice and advocacy, she ensures that all students’ voices are heard. Her peers respect her not only for her leadership but also for her ability to listen and offer thoughtful guidance. Beyond academics, Gomez is an enthusiastic participant in campus events. Her resilience, commitment, and leadership make her an invaluable member of the MCC community.
Morgan Community College’s award winners were honored at the CCCS Student Excellence Awards Ceremony on April 9, 2025, at the Social Capitol event center in Arvada, Colorado. Students were presented with award medallions, certificates, and memorabilia from CCCS and MCC. They will also be recognized on the CCCS and MCC websites and through social media and press releases.
To learn more about educational opportunities at MCC, visit www.morgancc.edu or call 1-800-622-0216. For more information about CCCS, visit www.cccs.edu/.
