West Shore Community College’s Alpha Phi Phi Chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honors Society welcomed new members during its annual induction ceremony, on April 6, in the college’s Administrative & Conference Building.
The 86 inductees, an increase of nine from last year, included, Sara Abbott, Abegail Acheson, Michael Allen, Olivia Andersen, Christopher Appledorn, Magdelyn Autrey, Kirsten Bacon, Kurtis Basler, Ariana Bayer, Helana Beaudrie, Madison Bentz, Shane Borema, Kassidy Bowen, Melissa Bowman, Danielle Bray, Sarah Briggs, Cheyenne Brown, Lluvia Burillo-Castro, Anna Burton, Janee Carroll, Scott Channells, Lacie Chavalia, Cynthia DeVries, Benjamin Duran, Emily Facundo, Erica Feller, Abby Fisk, Heather Forbush, Aubriana Foster, Joshua Freeman, Shannon Freese, Alexis Garcia, Amari George, Andrea Gerdes, Isabella Gulembo, Alec Harness, Jenna Haynes, Adriana Hernandez, Heyden Howes, Keeley Jacobs, Jack Johnson, Madison Kaiser, Sandra Karl, Katelynn Karnes, Cyril Kosmowski, Amber Krolczyk, Mia Lamerson, Lindsey Lasater, Genevieve Lux, Matthew Mason, Braylin McIntosh, Ashlyn McKay, Quinn Merchant, Dagr Millard, Celeste Miller, Brianna Moore, Michael Munsell, Abigail O’Rourke, Amber Palmer, Bradley Paul, Keyara Peterson, Macy Peterson, Bryce Pruyne, Michael Quinteros, Abigail Robinson, Hannah Rudzki, Ultan Ryan, Evan Scarlata, Victoria Schulz, Ella Smith, Ryan Smith, Shaylynn Spinner, Jack Stidham, Kelli Stojic, Rylee Stone, Haley Story, Veronica Trevino, Anaya Vander Zwaag, Madison Vernier, Zachary Visser, Kyla Viurquiz, Mia Voss, Claire Wittlieff, Sean Wood, Chase Zatloukal, and Heather Zielinski.
Scott Ward, WSCC president and the keynote speaker during the ceremony, discussed the challenges facing higher education today, including evolving technology, financial uncertainties, and shifting expectations. He highlighted the unique role organizations like PTK play in addressing these challenges by fostering resilience, adaptability, and a sense of community among students. He encouraged students to embrace PTK’s lifelong membership, network of connections, and resources, underscoring the organization’s ability to combat feelings of isolation and build meaningful relationships.
“Phi Theta Kappa represents the very best of academic achievement, leadership, and service,” Ward remarked. “Your induction into this prestigious society is a testament to your hard work, dedication, and pursuit of excellence.”
Chapter advisor, Dr. Wendy Wells, thanked President Ward for paying the one-time registration fee to join PTK for all initiates for the fifth year in a row. President Ward started this tradition in 2021 because he didn’t want the fee to be a barrier that kept students from joining the organization.
PTK recognizes and encourages scholarship among two-year college students and provides an opportunity for the development of leadership and service, an intellectual climate for exchange of ideas and ideals, fellowship among scholars, and continuing academic excellence. The evening’s ceremony celebrated the inductees’ achievements and affirmed WSCC’s commitment to supporting student success and fostering leadership within the community.
Members are eligible to receive some of more than $37 million in scholarships provided exclusively for PTK members. Members in the United States are also eligible to participate in the All-USA Academic Team program, co-sponsored by USA Today, and by extension their own state-wide academic teams. Members also receive automatic nominations to the National Dean’s List and job postings exclusively for Phi Theta Kappans.
More than two million students have been inducted since its founding in 1918, with approximately 100,000 students inducted annually.
WSCC launched a PTK chapter in 1992, and through chapter and individual projects, members continue to serve the college and community.