MAYS LANDING – Atlantic Cape Community College Class of 2026 alumna Alexandra Montoya received the New Jersey Council of County Colleges (NJCCC) 2026 Student of the Year Award on Wednesday, June 10 at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City.
The College proudly nominated Montoya for this award. During her time at Atlantic Cape, Montoya displayed a strong commitment to her academic journey and future career in education while working diligently to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to positively impact future generations. Montoya’s impact also extends beyond the college campus. She has volunteered with the Boys and Girls Club and currently serves as an assistant volleyball coach locally, where she mentors and guides student-athletes.
“Alex embodies everything we hope to see in our students at Atlantic Cape. She has excelled in the classroom, competed as a two-sport student-athlete, served her community and committed herself to a future career in education. This recognition by the NJCCC is a testament not only to her achievements, but also to her character, leadership and dedication to making a difference in the lives of others,” said Dr. Natalie Devonish, Vice President, Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, Atlantic Cape Community College.
Montoya, who graduated on May 21 with an Associate in Arts Degree in Liberal Arts with a K–12 Education Option, is a resident of Galloway, NJ, and was a two–sport student–athlete in basketball and volleyball, as well as a member of the New Jersey Collegiate Athletic Association (NJCAA) All-Academic Team during both years of her collegiate career.
Montoya, who was accompanied by her mother and sister for this celebratory occasion, expressed heartfelt gratitude upon receiving word that she was named a Student of the Year Award recipient.
“Receiving this award is proof to me that hard work and dedication does not go unnoticed. Throughout my journey at Atlantic Cape, I’ve played the role of student–athlete, full–time worker, and a part–time coach. While trying to balance all of these roles, sometimes I would find myself struggling, but I always pushed myself for the bigger picture, despite adversities I was facing.
“Being a student–athlete at Atlantic Cape taught me many valuable skills and how important it is to be and feel a part of the college community. To be coached and supported by so many staff members was an honor. I would also like to thank all my professors who were understanding of my situation and supported me along the way to set me up for success in my journey towards graduating. I thank everyone who considered me for this award and recognized my achievements.”
The NJCCC represents the State of New Jersey’s 18 community college and more than 250,000 students. This annual award is an honor bestowed upon two New Jersey community college graduating students in recognition of their academic excellence, character, inspirational success and service to their community.
For more information on Atlantic Cape’s Athletics program, please visit atlanticcape.edu/athletics. For more information on the New Jersey Council of County Colleges, please visit njcommunitycolleges.org.
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About Atlantic Cape Community College
Established in 1964, Atlantic Cape Community College is a Middle States-accredited, Hispanic-serving institution proudly serving the residents of Atlantic and Cape May counties. As a comprehensive, two-year community college, Atlantic Cape offers more than 50 undergraduate degree programs and 34 certificate and workforce development professional series programs at its Mays Landing, Atlantic City, and Cape May campuses. Atlantic Cape is home to the renowned Academy of Culinary Arts, rated the top culinary school in New Jersey, and to its highly acclaimed Nursing program for more than 60 years. Atlantic Cape also partners with more than 30 colleges and four-year universities to offer students the opportunity to seamlessly earn a bachelor’s degree upon graduation.
