Sanders Named 2022-23 PTK International Co-President

Arapahoe Community College (ACC) student Dayriana Sanders has been elected as 2022-23 Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society International Co-President.

Dayriana, who was honored by the Colorado Community College System (CCCS) as a 2022 Rising Star and as a member of the 2022 PTK All-Colorado Academic Team, is also the President of ACC’s Sigma Phi Chapter of PTK as well as the President of the PTK Colorado/Wyoming Region.

Earlier this spring, she was recognized as a 2022 Coca-Cola Academic Team Silver Scholar for academic achievement, leadership, and engagement in college and community service. Dayriana’s selection as a Coca-Cola Academic Team Silver Scholar, which includes a $1,250 scholarship, was based on her scores from the All-USA Academic Team competition. The program is sponsored by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation and administered by PTK.

"Serving as an International Officer is the pinnacle of the student leadership experience," said Dr. Blake Ellis, PTK Chief Engagement Officer. "Dayriana’s campaign was impressive, and she built a broad coalition of support across the Society. Her success reflects the strength of the chapter and the college’s commitment to student success. We look forward to seeing what Dayriana will accomplish in this role."

Previously the Vice President of Communications for Sigma Phi, Dayriana received three scholarships during her time at ACC (ENT Credit Union Scholarship, First Generation Scholarship, Contemporary Scholarship) and served as the Secretary and Treasurer for the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS). She was selected as ACC’s 2021 Inclusive Excellence Champion and is now the Inclusive Excellence Officer for ACC’s Student Government Association.

In February 2022, Dayriana organized and moderated ACC’s Black Distrust in Healthcare Panel. She is the co-founder and former president of ACC’s Peer Nurse Mentor Experience, which was awarded ACC’s 2021 Program Impact Award, and was recently hired as an ICU Registered Nurse by Littleton Adventist Hospital.

Dayriana earned her Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Nursing from ACC in December 2021. She will complete her Associate of Arts (AA) degree in Philosophy at ACC in May 2022, as well as her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Spanish – both from CU Denver – in the fall of 2022 and spring of 2023, respectively. Dayriana also holds an AA degree in Spanish and an Associate of Science (AS) degree in Business.

Dayriana plans to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist with aspirations of making an impact in the disparities of care for underserved populations.