Inductees sign their way into PTK
By Michelle Rideau
Phi Theta Kappa welcomed more than 80 new members for the Spring 2015 induction ceremony held March 19 in Delaware Technical Community College Arts & Science Center Theater.
The ceremony featured presentations from the PTK Vice President Heidi Maradiaga and Secretary Kira Lyle followed by a speech from guest speaker President Dr. Mark T. Brainard.
The new members were sworn into the organization and signed their name to establish membership. A reception was held following the ceremony for honored guests, officers, and family members.
College President Dr. Brainard said the event’s “tremendous” turnout of over 100 students is indicative of the honor society’s success and demonstrates the vibrancy of the organization. He said the quality of community service that PTK offers is a reminder to students to always serve others no matter their success and obstacles in their life.
“No matter what you're struggling with, the bottom line is, and ultimate question is what are you doing for others,” he said.
Dr. Brainard said he was inspired to see the students who have worked hard to earn their recognition at the induction. He said students’ success is an indication of a bright future.
It’s just a reminder that the more knowledge and preparation that students have “the more return that society gets,” he said.
Dr. Brainard said it is important the community values recognizing student academic success and other achievements, especially those students of Delaware Tech. Since many students have other obligations outside of school, when they achieve a higher level of academic success it’s important to recognize that, he said.
He applauds all inductees who have invested time into their studies because “education is a great investment.”
Energy Technologies Department Chairperson and PTK Co-Advisor David LaFazia said Phi Theta Kappa was proud to honor all students who met the eligibility requirements. He said that he wanted to recognize the drive that brings students to the point of eligibility.
“It really is about celebrating students,” Lafazia said.
He said PTK is devoted to finding opportunities for each student and discovering his or her niche in the community. LaFazia said the ceremony allows instructors to see the hard work put into the students educational career early on, rather than waiting until graduation day.
“They already deserve it, we’re already proud of them, now they can just leverage it,” LaFazia said.
Nursing Student Michalah Abrams joined PTK last year, and is the first president of PTK to induct her child at the Owens Campus. She said once a student becomes a member, the organization opens up “another world of opportunities.”
“This is what we do, this is what we’re all about,” she said.
Abrams recommends other students to join PTK because the fellowship with students, staff, and the local community is family oriented. She said the honor society focuses on meeting and working with other students who don’t know the resources available to them; however, the most rewarding aspect for Abrams is helping those in need.
“Once you get involved you're not going to want to stop,” she said.
