THEWIRE
Written For Students, By Students
Phi Theta Kappa Welcomes New Members
By Olivia Henning
Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) is an international honor society that provides opportunities for individual growth while recognizing and encouraging academic achievements of students enrolled in two-year colleges. PTK is the largest honor society in America with more than 2 million members and 1,200 chapters.
The induction ceremony, held on March 26, inducted 99 new members into Delaware Technical & Community College’s Alpha Epsilon Epsilon Chapter. Attendees heard short speeches from esteemed members of the DTCC community such as, David LaFazia, Co-Advisor for Alpha Epsilon Epsilon; Jennifer Blackwell, Co-Advisor of Alpha Epsilon Epsilon; Dr. Melissa Rakes, Dean of Students and Dr.Ileana Smith, Vice President and Campus Director.
The guest speaker was Pattie Van Atter, the Middle States Regional Coordinator for PTK. Van Atter spoke to the inductees about her experiences in PTK and how far the honor society was able to help her succeed. She also encouraged students to participate in the chapter and apply for the hundreds of scholarships provided by PTK. Before she left the podium, Van Atter told the students that they should feel proud of their academic success and take advantage of everything that PTK has to offer them.
After the speeches, inductees walked one-by-one across the stage, where LaFazia announced each student’s name and major. Each student signed the chapter’s membership book, held by Blackwell. Nathaniel Johnson, Chapter President, then shook each students hand as they received a welcome certificate from PTK. A few steps further, students were given a beautiful white rose with blue ribbon from the Chapter Vice-President, Michala Abrams.
Preceding the ceremony, the new members met in a classroom as refreshments were being laid out, with the chapter president, Johnson, and vice-president, Abrams. Johnson told the new members about upcoming meetings and events that they could participate in, and avidly encouraged students to run for PTK Office, as many of the current officers are graduating this May.