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Greenwood becomes first NIC student named to honor society’s All-USA Academic Team

Claire Greenwood

Claire Greenwood’s efforts to apply her academic excellence toward the community and North Idaho College have been recognized on an elite national scale.

 The NIC student from Coeur d’Alene is among 20 students out of 2,300 nominated who were selected to the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society’s 2026 All-USA Academic Team. It is the first time a NIC student has received the honor since PTK started the program in 1989.

 “I usually focus on what is next, but taking time during this process to reflect on my journey — especially returning to school after previously owning and operating my own business — forced me to see how much resilience and perseverance have shaped my path,” said Greenwood, who plans to graduate from NIC in May with an associate degree in business before transferring to Boise State University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in project management. “The financial support and national recognition mean a great deal, but the clarity and confidence that came from that reflection have been just as impactful.”

 Greenwood will receive a $3,000 scholarship for being named to the team during the College Presidents and New Century Scholars Recognition Luncheon during the PTK Catalyst event on March 27 in Baltimore, Md. In addition, Greenwood will receive a scholarship for $2,750 for being named a 2026 New Century Transfer Pathway Scholar.

 Finalists for PTK honors and scholarships are selected based on academic excellence, leadership and community service.

Greenwood was a community outreach coordinator at Gizmo-CDA, a collaborative community workspace on NIC’s campus. The role involved coordinating volunteers, managing marketing materials and overseeing Gizmo’s inaugural presence at Art on the Green.

Greenwood also serves as a student ambassador for enrollment services at NIC, assisting with campus tours and outreach for prospective students.

 Other NIC students who will be recognized in Baltimore include:

• Tamara Hamming, from Coeur d’Alene and pursuing a degree in culinary arts, was also named a 2026 New Century Workforce Pathway Scholar and received a $1,500 scholarship. After graduating in May, Hamming plans to work full-time in the restaurant and hospitality industry, while pursuing her goal of opening a gourmet and healthy food business.
• Joseph Moran, from Hayden majoring in mathematics and computer science, was named a 2026 Coca-Cola Academic Team Scholar and received a $1,300 scholarship. Moran, who plans to transfer to either the University of Idaho or University of Nebraska-Lincoln to study finance or actuarial science, is vice president of the ASNIC Student Government, vice president of the Pickleball Club of NIC and a tutor for TRIO Student Support Services.
• NIC’s PTK chapter was among 375 chapters out of 1,250 nationwide that were named a REACH (Recognizing Excellence in Acceptance and Completion with Honors) Chapter. Chapters that actively invite, engage and follow up with eligible students at the local level are recognized as REACH chapters.
• NIC Dean of Students Alex Harris last month was named a recipient of the PTK Distinguished College Administrator award. He was among 21 nationwide out of 105 nominations for the award that honors leaders who work with students to strengthen campus communities.

 More than 100 current students at NIC are members of PTK.