Piedmont Community College (PCC) inducted 26 new students into the College’s Alpha Upsilon Theta chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) International Honor Society during the spring 2023 induction ceremony.
The new members include:
Thomas Anderson, Tracey Bentley, Grier Briggs, Haleigh Champagne, Jordan Clayton, Karen Day, Harikirtana Hargreaves, Jason Hawkins, Austin Hoke, Casey Hoke, Emmanuel Kincy, Akiya Majors, Carter Nichols, Landon Norton, Kyler Parker, Gabrielle Pinnix, Yvonne Reid, Abraheem Saba, Emily Scott, India Slade, Grace Smith, Mandy Stanley, Jasmine Wiggans, Thomas Williams, and Nicole Zocchi.
This induction ceremony was slightly different from the most recent iterations as it was both a ceremony for new beginnings and an honorable farewell to officers who led the organization for the past two years.
Others participating in the induction were Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Chapter President Kayla Rice, PTK Chapter Vice-President Liliana Mejia, PTK Chapter Secretary Kyndall Norton, PTK Chapter co-advisor Dr. Don Miller, PTK member Carson Duncan, and PCC Vice President of Instruction/Chief Academic Officer, Dr. Barbara Buchanan.
PTK officers Kayla Rice, Liliana Mejia, and Kyndall Norton shared information about the various PTK symbols, including the torch, white rose, and emblem. PTK member Carson Duncan offered a brief history of the international honor society, dating back to 1910.
Before announcing the new members, Rice explained, “You are about to be inducted into a scholarly fellowship that embraces community colleges, not only of your own state but of the nation and the world. After induction, you will find among the members an atmosphere of scholarship, to which you must give of yourself in order that the organization may be meaningful to you.”
After the students lit their ceremonial candles and received their certificates, co-advisor Dr. Don Miller announced, “It is my distinct pleasure to welcome you into the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and the lively fellowship of scholars it affords. I congratulate you for your accomplishment, and I charge you to explore always for truth and to dedicate yourselves to the cultivation of the well-reasoned life.”
In addition to offering her congratulations, PCC Vice President of Instruction, Dr. Barbara Buchanan, explained what makes this chapter respectable and an honor to be part of. “This recognition represents the very best in our students, both academically and in leadership. This chapter makes a difference and exemplifies leadership with service; we’re proud to have you join and continue this tradition.”
She continued, “Five years ago, this chapter was a two-star organization. Through great leadership and student involvement, change was inspired, and this chapter has now earned five-star status, the pinnacle of PTK, for the third year in a row. In addition, this chapter earned REACH status, an honor only given to the chapters that receive a high percentage of acceptance rates from the students it invites. This is a winning group of selfless leaders driven to serve and produce positive change that we’re so proud to have at PCC.”
Just before the ceremony ended, Miller awarded graduating officers Rice, Mejia, Norton, and Duncan medallions for their effort as members and officers throughout the past three years. These officers built a greenhouse and garden on PCC’s Person County Campus, collaborated with Student Government to bring a “Pacer Feeds” food pantry to campus, and led the charge for the third-place finish in the statewide Collegiate Hunger Challenge, all to combat local food insecurity.
“I have seen so much growth in each of these officers over the years,” Miller said. “Their hard work and dedication are largely responsible for our chapter receiving five-star status the last two years. As they prepare to take on their next life challenge, their leadership leaves this chapter with confident and capable members to continue to carry the torch and find future success.”
PCC is actively assisting eligible students in becoming a member of this prestigious International Honor Society by offering partial financial assistance for the membership fee. Students complete an application and must pay a portion of the membership fee if selected.
To learn more about how you can help support future Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society members, contact Beth Townsend at (336) 322-2104 or Beth.Townsend@piedmontcc.edu.
About PTK:
For more than 100 years, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society has helped millions of high-achieving college students reach their full potential. The group recognizes academic success and offers opportunities to develop professional and leadership skills, earn scholarships, explore career paths, and make their worlds much bigger. Learn more at www.ptk.org.
Recent Comments