WARWICK, R.I. – The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) proudly announces that students Mina Roufaeil and Francisco Pimentel-Calderon have been named 2026 New Century Scholars by Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) international honor society.

Both students earned the highest score in the state of Rhode Island during the Phi Theta Kappa Fall Scholarship competition, which evaluates nominees on academic achievement, leadership, and service.

Roufaeil was honored as the 2026 New Century Transfer Pathway Scholar. This prestigious distinction is reserved for the single top-scoring student in each state who intends to transfer to a four-year university. Along with the title, Roufaeil receives a $2,750 scholarship, a program made possible by the Coca-Cola Foundation and the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, with additional support from Phi Theta Kappa. Over 2,200 students from more than 1,300 college campuses nationwide were nominated.

A native of Woonsocket, Roufaeil graduated from CCRI in fall of 2025 with an accounting degree before transferring to Rhode Island College (RIC), where she began studying this spring.

Representing the college on the professional track, Pimentel-Calderon was selected as the 2026 New Century Workforce Pathway Scholar. This award specifically recognizes the state’s highest-achieving student preparing to enter the workforce directly after completing their associate degree or certificate. Sponsored by the Coca-Cola Foundation and PTK, the award includes a $1,500 scholarship to support Pimentel-Calderon’s transition into his career. More than 2,300 students from nearly 1,400 college campuses nationwide were nominated.

Pimentel-Calderon, who lives in Woonsocket, majors in General Studies – with a focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) – and intends to graduate this spring. After graduating, he plans to continue working toward his goal of becoming an airline pilot.

“We are incredibly proud of Mina and Francisco for this prestigious national recognition,” said CCRI President Rosemary A. Costigan, Ph.D., RN. “To have the top-scoring student in both the Transfer and Workforce pathways come from CCRI is a testament to the talent and dedication of our students, as well as the strength of our academic programs.”

Both students will be recognized this spring at PTK Catalyst 2026, the organization’s annual convention in Baltimore. They will be honored during the College Presidents & New Century Scholars Recognition Luncheon on Friday, March 27, with Roufaeil also participating in the Parade of Scholars during the Hallmark Awards Gala on Saturday, March 28.

Phi Theta Kappa is the premier honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders. The Society is made up of more than 4.3 million members in 11 nations, with approximately 240,000 active members in the nation’s colleges.