All Academic Team Honors Top Students in California
Congratulations to Marline Hidalgo, Loretta Harris, and Marissa Garcia. As we mentioned in the April 18th edition of the News from the Crow's Nest, they have been selected to be a part of the 2025 Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) All-California Academic Team.
Marline Hidalgo made it onto the All-California 1st Academic Team, ranked as one of the top 36 community college students in all of California. Loretta Harris made the All-California 2nd Academic Team, ranked as one of the 72 community college students in all of California. and Marisa Garcia made the All-California 3rd Academic Team, ranked as one of the top 110 community college students in all of California.
This is an amazing achievement! These fantastic students were selected as three of only 110 students selected out of the 2 Million community college students enrolled in California schools.
The purpose of the Phi Teta Kappa All-State Academic Team Program is to provide recognition at the state level for our top community college students. Grades, leadership, and community service determine selection to the All California Academic Team. The students selected represent some of the best and brightest students enrolled in California’s 115 community colleges. Please join us in congratulating Marline, Loretta, and Marissa for their outstanding academic achievement!
Learn a little more about these amazing Pirates below and, if you see Marline, Loretta, or Marisa in class, on Zoom, or walking around campus… congratulate them.
Loretta Harris
I am a dedicated single mother, balancing full-time work with volunteering at the Lindsay Community Theater while pursuing my degree in sociology. As a first-generation college student and the 2024–2025 president of the Alpha Chi Mu chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, I’m passionate about leadership, education, and empowering others. I was recently honored to be elected Vice President of the Northeast District of California/Nevada, expanding my ability to serve and connect with students across the region.
My upbringing was far from conventional, raised in a foster home after my mentally disabled parents were unable to care for me, education was never emphasized in my early life. After high school, I went straight into the workforce. It wasn’t until the encouragement of my partner that I began to believe in my potential and pursue a college degree. Now, I’m deeply committed to higher education and supporting others on their own academic journeys, including my children.
Volunteering at the theater has allowed me to tap into my creativity while developing leadership skills outside of my home and classroom. My ultimate goal is to become a college counselor and sociology professor at Porterville College, where I can help students build a future they’re proud of.
Marisa Garcia
My name is Marisa and I am currently a student at Porterville college with plans to pursue a career in nursing. Alongside my studies, I am working full-time in the healthcare field and building a strong foundation for my future career. I’m deeply passionate about helping others and dedicated to making a meaningful impact in people’s lives through patient-centered care.
Marlene Hidalgo
Hello, my name is Marline Hidalgo. I am majoring in Biological and Physical Sciences, graduating in spring 2025 as a member of the All-State Academic Team with Porterville Community College. My long-term goal is to be a labor and delivery nurse due to my fondness for being present and aiding women during one of the most significant moments in life. To be completely honest, making the All-State Academic Team surprised me. I am genuinely honored to accept this recognition as we proudly represent Porterville College. Pushing through and displaying pure dedication spoke through the academic excellence and accomplishments shining for our little community college.
