Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College is proud to announce that 11 outstanding students have been named to the 2026 All-Mississippi Academic Team, an honor recognizing academic excellence and leadership among community and junior college students across the state.

The program is coordinated by Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, the Mississippi Association of Community Colleges, and the Mississippi Community College Board.

Among this year’s honorees, Abigael Matias Medina of Gautier was selected to the prestigious 2026 Coca-Cola Academic Team, earning national recognition.

Additionally, Caleb Garner of Hurley, Lainey Romero of Biloxi, and Beverly Rouse-West of Biloxi were named All-Mississippi Workforce Scholars.

“These students exemplify the very best of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College,” said Dr. Zach Moulds, Associate Vice President of Student Services & Enrollment Strategies. “Their dedication to academic excellence, leadership, and service reflects the mission and impact of our institution across the Gulf Coast.”

2026 All-Mississippi Academic Team Honorees:

George County Center

• Ally Morris, Lucedale – A Criminal Justice major, Morris is a member of Phi Theta Kappa and the Honors College. She plans to obtain her paralegal license after completing her studies at MGCCC.
• Arizona Byrd, Lucedale – A Biology major, Byrd is active in Phi Theta Kappa and the Honors College and plans to pursue a real estate license after graduation.

Perkinston Campus

• Landon McKnight, Byram – A Pre-Physician Assistant Kinesiology major, McKnight was involved in the Reflections Team, Phi Theta Kappa, and the Honors College. He plans to attend Mississippi State University to earn his bachelor’s degree before continuing into a Physician Assistant program.
• Aniya Crawford, Ocean Springs – Majoring in Entertainment Industries, Crawford serves as President of Phi Theta Kappa’s Gamma Nu Chapter and is a member of the Honors College. She plans to transfer to The University of Southern Mississippi to pursue interdisciplinary studies and a career in the creative and entertainment industry.

Harrison County Campus

• Beverly Rouse-West, Biloxi – Rouse-West is majoring in Mechanical Engineering and Cybersecurity and Networking. She serves as Vice President of Communications for Phi Theta Kappa’s Omicron Alpha Chapter and is involved in the Baptist Student Union. She plans to attend Mississippi State University on the Coast to continue her engineering studies.
• Kai Cabrera, Biloxi – A Polymer Science and Engineering major, Cabrera serves as Phi Theta Kappa Regional President and Chapter Vice President of Service. Cabrera plans to transfer to The University of Southern Mississippi to complete both undergraduate and graduate degrees.
• Conner Smith, Gulfport – A Mechanical Engineering major, Smith serves as Vice President of Fellowship for Phi Theta Kappa’s Omicron Alpha Chapter. He plans to transfer to Mississippi State University to complete his bachelor’s degree.

Jackson County Campus

• Caleb Garner, Hurley – Garner majored in Instrumentation and Controls and was involved in Reflections and Phi Theta Kappa. He is currently working as an industrial electrician with Performance Contractors, contributing to a plant project in Bay Minette, Alabama.
• Morgan Marshall, Hurley –Marshall serves as President of Phi Theta Kappa’s Pi Epsilon Chapter and is active in Student Government Association, Campus Activities Board, the Hispanic American Club, and the Honors College. She plans to pursue a degree in Nursing at The University of Southern Mississippi.
• Lainey Romero, Biloxi – An Administrative Office Technology major, Romero is involved in Phi Theta Kappa and the Honors College. She plans to begin a career in banking and advance to a loan officer position.
• Abigael Matias Medina, Gautier – 2026 Coca-Cola Academic Team. A Biomedical Engineering major, Medina serves as Treasurer of the STEM Club, a Phi Theta Kappa officer, and is active in the Hispanic American Club and Campus Activities Board.

Selection to the All-Mississippi Academic Team recognizes students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and community service. Students nominated for this honor are among the highest-performing scholars in the state.