(Delaware and Chester Counties, PA)—April is Community College Month, and eight Delaware County Community College (DCCC) students were recognized as part of the 2026 All-Pennsylvania (All-PA) Academic Team for their academic achievement, leadership and community service.

Kimberly Briggs of Palmyra, Marjorie Charles-Dasne of Lansdowne, Colin Evans of Toughkenamon, Diego Garcia-Cintora of Kennett Square, Gillian Keener of Aston, Lydia Kirkpatrick of Folsom, Natalia Rodriguez-Lopez of West Chesterand Meredith Stefanelli of West Chester were recently selected to the 2026 All-PA Academic Team, which is sponsored by Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for two-year colleges, and the Pennsylvania Commission for Community Colleges. This recognition honors an exceptional group of DCCC students, who were honored at a special banquet on April 7 at Harrisburg Area Community College.

DCCC had both Transfer Pathway honorees and Workforce Pathway honorees. Transfer Pathway honorees receive a full-tuition scholarship for two years to one of the 10 universities that make up the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. Workforce Pathway honorees plan to enter the workforce after completing a certificate or associate degree at a community college.

Kimberly Briggs
Kimberly is an Early Childhood Education major who works full time as the assistant director at Gravel Hill Christian Child Care Center in Palmyra. “I have enjoyed DCCC and getting to know my classmates,” she says.

Marjorie Charles-Dasne was formerly a food engineer in France and came to the U.S. to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse. She balances her full-time studies with taking care of her three children and is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. At DCCC, “I found more than an education. I found strength, support, and a renewed sense of purpose. I have poured myself into my studies. After graduation, I plan to work as a registered nurse while continuing to build a path in public health, helping prevent chronic diseases through nutrition and education.”

Colin Evans
Colin is a General Studies major who plans to transfer to a four-year institution to pursue his bachelor’s degree. He is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and volunteers his time with the West Chester Food Cupboard and the Kennett Fire Company.

Diego Garcia-Cintora
Diego is majoring in Accounting and Business Administration, and thanks to experience he has gained with four internships he found through DCCC’s Student Employment Services and Co-op Center, he is well on his way to his goal of becoming a CPA. Two of his internships were with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, where he enjoyed helping individuals with low incomes complete their tax returns. A first-generation college student, Diego moved to the U.S. from Mexico at the age of four. “DCCC is amazing. The College really sets you up for success,” he says.

Gillian Keener
Gillian is a Liberal Arts major and Theatre Arts minor, President of DCCC’s Phi Theta Kappa, Alpha Tau Epsilon chapter and assistant editor of the College’s literary magazine, Pegasus. An avid thespian, she has participated in four DCCC Theatre productions, including playing the characters of Lady Capulet in Romeo and Juliet and Siobhan in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. She is assistant director of DCCC’s 2026 spring musical, Avenue Q. She hopes to transfer to a four-year college to complete her bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Philosophy. She was named a 2026 Guistwhite Scholar—one of the highest scholarships granted by Phi Theta Kappa.

Lydia Kirkpatrick
Lydia is a Studio Arts major who plans to transfer to Kutztown University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in fine arts and art education. During her time at DCCC, she has served as President of the Art & Design Club and Vice President of social media for the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, Alpha Tau Epsilon chapter. She is also managing editor and designer for The Phantom Student Press, which publishes the College’s newspaper and literary magazine. “There are so many opportunities to get involved and find your people at DCCC,” she says. “I have so much love for my peers and professors who’ve supported and pushed me to be a leader and an active participant on campus.”

Natalia Rodriguez-Lopez
A native of Colombia and a Nursing major, Natalia is president of DCCC’s Phi Theta Kappa, Beta Psi Pi chapter as well as of the College’s chapter of Sharing Excess, which rescues surplus fresh fruits and vegetables and distributes them monthly to DCCC students and staff. Additionally, she volunteers as a Spanish interpreter for Community Volunteers in Medicine. She will continue her nursing studies at West Chester University. In addition to her statewide honor, Natalia was selected to represent Pennsylvania nationally as a 2026 New-Century Transfer Scholar and member of the 2026 All-USA Academic Team. “My expectations of college life were fulfilled by getting involved, reaching out and leading groups. And the faculty here make you feel seen—they take the time to get to know you and encourage you.”

Meredith Stefanelli is a Culinary Arts major.