Hornberger Receives Two Prestigious Scholarships

Kelly Hornberger was one of 20 students nationwide to be selected for the 2026 All-USA Academic Team. She was also named a 2026 New Century Workforce Scholar.

Paralegal Major Named New Century Scholar, Makes All-USA Academic Team 

Walters State student Kelly Hornberger, a paralegal studies major, has received two prestigious awards from Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for community college students.

Hornberger was one of 20 students nationwide to be selected for the 2026 All-USA Academic Team. She was also named a 2026 New Century Workforce Scholar.

“Kelly has always been an excellent Walters State student, and these awards prove that she is one of the top community college students in the nation,” said Dr. Saul Reyes, president of Walters State. “When not in the classroom or at her full-time job, Kelly is leading activities on campus and supporting other students. I congratulate her on receiving the awards and look forward to seeing where her intelligence and her drive lead her in the future. 

The All-USA Academic Team recognizes students for academic achievements, leadership skills, and campus and community engagement. Hornberger will be recognized for this honor in April at the American Association of Community Colleges annual meeting.  The All-USA program is among the nation’s premier academic honors for students pursuing an associate degree. 

The 2026 New Century Workforce Scholars Program is sponsored by PTK and by the Coca-Cola Foundation. Students are selected based on their academic accomplishments, leadership, activities, and how they extend their intellectual talents beyond the classroom. 

One New Century Workforce Scholar is chosen from each state through a thorough nomination process. More than 2,300 students from nearly 1,400 college campuses nationwide were nominated. Hornberger will be recognized at the PTK Catalyst convention in Baltimore this spring.