Maryam Al Zandawi

My name is Maryam Al Zandawi and I completed the Honors Scholar Designation.

Scholarships and Awards: Honors Scholar Designation

Erin-Jeanelle Balacy

My name is Erin-Jeanelle Balacy, and I will be graduating with an Associate of Science degree this spring. During my time at Oakton, I have found and grown into a person I once thought I could not become. The opportunities in the Honors Program, along with Honors contracts with professors, have pushed me beyond my comfort zone and allowed me to work on meaningful projects related to my major, including conducting interdisciplinary undergraduate lab research and completing an Honors essay on Holy Taxiarchai and Saint Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church. Additionally, working as a Microbiology lab assistant has been an incredibly rewarding experience that has strengthened my interest in the field. Working with students, faculty, and the Oakton College community has been an unforgettable experience. I am grateful to be a student at Oakton and to pursue the Honors Scholar Designation as I continue working toward my future career.

Scholarships and Awards: Honors Scholar Designation

David Carrillo

My name is David Carrillo, I will graduate from Oakton College in May of 2026, and also complete the Honors Scholar Designation. When I received my first email inviting me to be a part of the Honors Program, it made me realize how my hard work was being recognized and also how I wanted to continue to pursue and earn the Designation. All the courses I have taken as part of the Honors Program have all been taught by very passionate, patient, and intelligent instructors. These classes have given me the opportunity to do things I would have never expected to do, things such as exploring neighborhoods to finish my projects, volunteering for the first time, and even interviewing prominent community figures for class final assignments. These experiences add to the knowledge that I have gained besides the coursework which is already very interesting and stimulating. After graduating from Oakton I will be transferring to a four year university, most likely DePaul University to continue studying Accounting. Oakton’s Honors Program helped me obtain the necessary GPA to be a competitive applicant and successfully begin my transfer process, all while being constantly updated and kept in the loop by the Honors Program Coordinator.

Scholarships and Awards: Honors Scholar Designation

Sara Condon

My name is Sara Condon and I completed the Honors Scholar Designation.

Scholarships and Awards: Honors Scholar Designation

Helia Mokarrami

My name is Helia Mokarrami, and I am a first-generation college student and Honors student majoring in Business/Accounting. I am excited to be completing the Honors Scholar Designation as a freshman at Oakton College. The Honors Program has opened doors to experiences and opportunities that have shaped my academic journey in meaningful ways. One of my most personal projects was Finding Home, through which I explored my identity and experiences as a Persian immigrant who moved from Iran to the United States five years ago. This project allowed me to reflect on my own story while connecting with a broader academic community. In addition, I conducted an Independent Study research project on AI in Accounting, where I examined the growing role of artificial intelligence in the accounting field and what it means for the future of the profession. Beyond the classroom, I am an active member of DECA and the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, both of which have strengthened my leadership skills and professional network. I plan to transfer to a four year university to pursue a degree in Accounting and obtain my CPA certification.

Scholarships and Awards: Honors Scholar Designation; Honors Public Intellectual Award; Graff-Stacewicz Public Intellecutal Scholarship

Olivia Montecchi

My name is Olivia Montecchi and I will be finishing the Honors Scholar Designation this May as well as graduating with an Associate in Arts. I will be starting the accelerated bachelor/master track in Biology this summer at Northeastern Illinois University. My work in Oakton’s Honors Program allowed me to transfer directly to the Honors Program at NEIU. I drew on my undergrad experience in Clarinet Performance and German Studies at Northwestern University by creating two music projects honoring Holocaust victims with Dr. Adele-Marie, the coordinator of Jewish studies at Oakton. I also took a learning community studying African-American History and Literature and loved the deep dive into some of history’s bravest abolitionists. I did an Honors contract for the Biology elective, Plants and Society, and talked about soil health and composition in a presentation and research paper. I also really enjoyed Dr. Townsend’s World Religions class because I got to reconnect with the Zen Buddhist advisor I had at Northwestern University. The honors program has been the highlight of my experience at Oakton. It’s given me the encouragement and inspiration to question my beliefs and excel in an academic setting.

Scholarships and Awards: Honors Scholar Designation

Mikaela Montescarlos

My name is Mikaela Montesclaros, and I am a first-generation Filipino-Chinese American college student. This Spring 2026, I completed the Honors Designation at Oakton, and I am on track to earn my Associate's degree in Spring 2027 with plans to transfer to a four-year university to pursue Political Science and Economics. Coming from a limited financial situation and a religious background that highly discouraged higher education, reaching this milestone, much less earning the Honors Scholar Designation, is a reality I never thought could be possible for me. I am deeply grateful for the opportunities Oakton has provided, as well as the incredible faculty and community, especially within the Honors Program, who have supported me along the way. As I continue my academic journey and beyond, I look forward to carrying the strong foundation made during my time at Oakton with me.

Scholarships and Awards: Honors Scholar Designation

Sebastian Otero

My name is Sebastian Otero, and I am proud to say I will be graduating this spring with an Associate of Arts degree in Economics! I plan to transfer to a four year institution and then later go law school to become an immigration lawyer.  From somebody who believed that they could not do well academically to graduating with the Honors Scholar Designation, my time at Oakton will always hold an important place in my heart.  I am grateful for the relationships I made, especially for the amazing friends I made while taking Honors classes. I am also thankful for the passionate teachers of the program that helped me to think outside the box.  Some names that come to mind were my Biology professor Tess Lesniak, who encouraged me to apply my love of animals to Honors projects; my philosophy professors Carlos Briones and Peter Hudis encouraged me to write about what I was passionate about.  My favorite project I worked on in the program was the paper I wrote about applying Aimé Césaire’s imperial boomerang theory to the 1961 Paris Massacre for Prof. Carlos Briones’ PHL 290: Decolonial Thought in Africa, the Caribbean, and Latin America. Some of the sources I used for this project were the first time they were translated into English. I grew so much with the Honors Program and for that I will always be thankful for Oakton.

Scholarships and Awards: Honors Scholar Designation

Noah Rosenberg

My name is Noah Rosenberg and alongside getting the Honors Scholar Designation, I will be graduating this semester with an Associates in Arts.  The Honors Program has greatly increased my academic abilities and overall confidence in my educational experience.  I'm very grateful for everything Oakton has given me.

Scholarships and Awards: Honors Scholar Designation; Honors English Award (2025)

Dominika Sass

My name is Dominika Sass. I am an international student from Poland and a first-generation college student pursuing an A.A.S. in Accounting and an A.A. in Business/Accounting at Oakton College. Adjusting to college in a new country was challenging, which inspired me to create an International Students Guide to help others navigate a similar experience. I am actively involved on campus as the President of Phi Theta Kappa, the Honors Student Organization, and the Anime Club, and I also serve as a student ambassador for the Illinois CPA Society. Through these roles, I focus on building community and supporting other students. After Oakton, I plan to enter the workforce, with the possibility of continuing my education in the future.

Scholarships and Awards: Honors Scholar Designation

Brian Garland

My name is Brian Garland, and I'm a first-generation college student graduating this spring with an Associate of Arts degree. I will be relocating to Austin, TX, where I'll complete my bachelor's degree at Texas State University, majoring in Exercise Science. While initially apprehensive about registering for Honors courses, the Honors Program has been extremely accommodating and supportive throughout my time here at Oakton. The program has taught me to delve beyond the text in order to process and apply it to discussions and projects. I am leaving Oakton as a more diligent and analytical student who's excited for my next academic chapter. I hope one day to be in a position where I'm able to give back to Oakton as a token of appreciation for the life skills I have developed here in my quest to become a Physical Therapist.

Scholarships and Awards: Honors Scholar Designation; Honors Social and Behavioral Sciences Award

Angie Guercio

My name is Angie Guercio and I am an Honors Student currently enrolled in my last year at Oakton College. I plan on transferring to a four-year university in the Fall of 2026. There I will pursue a degree in Digital Marketing with a minor in Graphic Design.

Scholarships and Awards: Honors Scholar Designation; Honors Writing Intensive Award

Melani Heredia

My name is Melani Heredia and I am a first generation college student earning my Associate's degree in Psychology and planning to transfer to a four-year university to pursue a career in social work! Much of my work in the Honors Program connects to my Mexican identity and explores the unequal treatment of animals, children, women, and nature, highlighting their shared vulnerability. My coursework has challenged my self-belief and motivated me to keep going, alongside my family's support through both stressful times and academic milestones. Finally, I would like to thank my professors and advisors who invest not only in my learning but in who I am beyond the classroom setting.   

Scholarships and Awards: Honors Scholar Designation; Honors Environmental Studies Concentration Award

Winter Howell

My name is Winter Rose Howell. After I graduate in spring 2026 with my associate’s degree, I will be pursuing a degree in Earth and Planetary Sciences. Throughout my time at Oakton, I have joined the Honors Student Organization and was elected Vice President in addition to being elected Vice President of Scholarship for Phi Theta Kappa. Through these organizations, I have supported the wonderful school that cultivated my love of learning. I value and have enjoyed my education at Oakton. Amazing opportunities such as conducting my own research on Archaeopteryx for an Honors contract, or being selected to present an original speech for a Western Women and World War II conference have helped me to advance my academic capabilities. I am incredibly thankful for my time here and the support of Oakton’s encouraging staff and students, especially Professors Townsend, O’Donnell, and Hewitt who have all helped me immensely in my pursuits. I have genuinely appreciated my journey in achieving the Honors Scholar Designation.

Scholarships and Awards: Honors Scholar Designation; Honors Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Award; Honors Student of the Year

Sydney Kreiman

My name is Sydney Kreiman and as of 2026, I will have completed Oakton’s Honors Scholar Designation. I’m really grateful for the opportunities Oakton has provided me with, and the various classes that have expanded my interests immensely. After graduating with an A.A., I intend to transfer to a school where I can pursue my interest in Archaeology. On that note, my favorite work I’ve conducted was an Honors contract based on an archaeological dig I participated in during the summer of 2025. Building off this momentum, I hope to find myself involved in many archaeological projects in the future. I've really enjoyed the Honors courses I’ve taken and the ways in which they've broadened my horizons. My projects published on the chicagoreligions.com website were especially rewarding, since they brought me out of my comfort zone and introduced me to communities with big hearts and important histories. 

Scholarships and Awards: Honors Scholar Designation; Honors Global Studies Award; Honors Philosophy Award

My name is Natalia Tolaba. I am an international student at Oakton College and a former Au Pair. I am proud to represent my home country, Argentina, as I prepare for my Fall 2026 graduation. I have been part of Oakton College since 2024, and it has been an honor to participate in the Honors Program. This experience has challenged me to grow as both a student and a researcher, while giving me the opportunity to learn from and work alongside inspiring professors who encouraged me to reach my full potential. I will graduate with an Associate of Arts in Business and I plan to continue my studies by pursuing a major in Marketing. I have dedicated myself to my academic journey and look forward to the opportunities ahead. ¡Hasta siempre, Oakton!

Scholarships and Awards: Honors Scholar Designation; RICE Center Fellowship

Megan Tsvetkova

My name is Megan Tsvetkova and I completed the Honors Scholar Designation. I am in my final semester at Oakton, planning to continue my educational path into Psychology and Neuroscience. I currently work in behavioral analysis as a Registered Behavior Technician and hope to become a Therapist in the future. Outside of academics, I love volunteering with animals and in nature. As I move forward, I’m excited to explore different areas of the Social Sciences and deepen my understanding of human behavior.

Scholarships and Awards: Honors Scholar Designation; Honors Peace and Social