Middlesex Community College graduate Shivani Bedre, of Lexington, was selected as a 2024 Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Reynolds Scholar by PTK New England. Bedre’s poem “Babel” was also featured in the 30th edition of Nota Bene, PTK’s literary journal.

“I read about the award and decided to give it a try, but getting selected was so unexpected,” Bedre said. “I am very grateful for all the opportunities I had thanks to Middlesex.”

Bedre’s poem was one of 50 pieces of work selected for the journal out of over 4,500 entries by community college students nationwide. Her poem was chosen by a national panel of judges. For her achievement, she was one of four students who received a $500 award endowed by the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation.

A mathematics student, Bedre came to MCC after high school because she was not yet certain what she wanted to pursue. Middlesex allowed her the flexibility to explore different options, including a variety of classes in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics).

“I enjoyed the math classes I took at MCC and had great experiences with the STEM professors,” Bedre said. “I also had the opportunity to be a peer tutor in mathematics at ACE (Academic Centers for Enrichment).”

After graduating from MCC in the Fall of 2024, Bedre transferred to Boston University. She will continue to study mathematics as she earns a bachelor’s degree. Middlesex helped set her up for success with opportunities in and outside of the classroom, including PTK.

“I liked the flexibility to explore my options that MCC provided,” she said. “I got involved with PTK during my third semester at MCC, joining after I learned that I was eligible.”

PTK is the international society for two-year colleges. Since 1918, PTK has recognized and encouraged scholarship among community college students, while promoting the academic integrity of the associate degree program. Students with grade point averages of 3.5 or higher are invited to join PTK.

“We are thrilled for Shivani and so proud of her tremendous accomplishment in being recognized by PTK,” said Maria McDuffie Clark, MCC’s Director of Student Engagement for Equity. “Our PTK students are among the top student leaders at MCC, and Shivani has proven herself as an excellent scholar and collaborator as both a student and ACE peer tutor at Middlesex. We are honored to play a role in her academic and professional journey.”