SCC’s honor society welcomes a historically large new class of members

Published on Oct 15, 2024

Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the international academic honor society for two-year colleges, is back in a BIG way at Somerset Community College this semester.

On Sept. 26, SCC’s Omicron Zeta chapter of PTK welcomed 40 members during its fall-semester induction ceremony.  Held at the Laurel County Public Library, the induction included both newly joined members and members who had joined previously but were unable to attend previous induction ceremonies.

A total of 51 students have joined so far in the Fall 2024 semester. It the largest influx of new members for Omicron Zeta in the first half of any semester in many years. In fact, the PTK chapter, which effectively shut down for the better part of two years during the COVID-19 pandemic, is in uncharted territory as far as fall-semester inductions are concerned.

“I am so excited over the number of students who are seizing the opportunity to join Phi Theta Kappa,” said Johnna Atkinson-Bigelow, a faculty advisor for Omicron Zeta for more than 30 years states. “Not only is this the largest number of inductees since pre-pandemic, but it is also the largest number to accept the invitation since we started having a Fall Induction.”

Atkinson-Bigelow went on to say, “I think this is a testament of the hard work our Omicron Zeta officer team has put into sharing the benefits with their fellow students. I am so proud of all their hard work and dedication to this worthy organization. The future of Omicron Zeta definitely looks bright!”

To become eligible for membership in Phi Theta Kappa, students must have at least a 3.0 GPA – a “B” average – after completing twelve or more credit hours of college-level courses.

The list of PTK members who participated in the induction ceremony are: Travis Ledford, Kendra Bates, Leah Dykes, MacKenzie Donahue, Chelsea Donahue, Logan Dixon, Marissa Graham, Amanda Klingberg, Ashley Hopkins, Nancy Owens, Asha Martin, Connor Ledbetter, Makayla Pash, Jacob Pollett, Lauren Van Duren, Alisha Withers, Sherri Tipton, Lexi Taylor, Abby Pendleton, Barbara Cunningham, Kayla James, Victoria Baker, Diamond Nelson, Alexys Napier, Abi Meadors, Elizabeth McGuffin, Megan Gambrell, Shelby Kunert, Faith French, Gabby Frazier, Elizabeth Clark, Lexus Gilbert, Allie Blevins, Kayla Bradshaw, William Brochue, Angela Caldwell, Connor Denney, Paul Garner, Jaden Cain, Susan Belton, and Sarah Piercy.

The induction ceremony includes an explanation of the PTK pillars – wisdom, aspiration, and purity.

“Getting to know about all the different symbols, I liked that,” said new inductee Kayla James. “(The meaning of PTK) goes much deeper than it appears, and I like that a lot.”

In addition to the members who took part in the induction ceremony, the following students have also joined PTK this fall: Kyler Johnson, Abigail Burchett, Ana Vasquez, Bethany Brock, Caden Bastin, Eva Smith, Jason Graves, Kayhlie Carpenter, Kreston Parmley, Lori Philpot, Morgan Boggs, Brooklyn Hayes, Ginger Loveless, Kayla Lyon, Lexus Gilbert, Natalie Fudge, Amber Lewis, Brooklyn Goetz, Brittney Burns, Grayson Blevins, Rachel Rose, Jessica Huffman, Jessica Rogers, Tina McNeal, Amber McCallister, Kayla Peace, Courteney Coffey, Jacob Hurst, Logan Adams, and Keara McWhorter.

“I thought it was really exciting seeing so many people come in,” said Rachel Gilpin, a PTK member and an SCC Student Ambassador. “PTK is a community, and it's great when more people are part of a community like this.”

Gilpin gadded, “It's more engagement and shows how Somerset Community College can be a part of things outside of London, Somerset, and our various centers.”

Founded in 1918, Phi Theta Kappa is the oldest and largest honor society of its kind. It recognizes outstanding student scholars and provides them with opportunities to develop their academic potential, gain leadership experience, and connect with fellow community college scholars around the region, country, and world.

Susan Belton, newly inducted member and newly appointed Vice President of Service for Omicron Zeta, is proud to be a part of PTK.

"As Nelson Mandela said, 'Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.'” Belton said. “Being inducted into PTK feels like joining a royal family; it's a recognition that not everyone receives. This honor reflects our loyalty to educational success and leadership, placing us in an elite honor society that opens doors to a network of opportunities through the achievements of fellow alumni."

Tracy Counts, the chapter advisor for Tau Sigma, Morehead State University’s honor society for transfer students, served as the keynote speaker for SCC’s PTK induction ceremony.

“Student success is very important, and that is what Phi Theta Kappa is all about,” Counts said. “We [educators] want you to succeed, but we need your help, your involvement.”

Counts elaborated, encouraging inductees to “be engaged” in their own education.

“We need you to engage with us to let us know what you need,” she said, adding that those needs may involve academics, mental health, or other things. “To be engaged in your own education is the best thing you can do as a student, the best thing you can do to become a successful, lifelong learner.”

The Omicron Zeta chapter of Phi Theta Kappa is heavily involved in community service projects.

“Our chapter has been actively engaged in fundraising efforts to support our mission of promoting academic excellence and service,” said Nicole Flannery, chapter vice president and PTK region president. “We are grateful for the support of our campus and local community, and we are excited to continue making a positive impact through our initiatives.”

"Phi Theta Kappa membership begins with recognition, but it offers so much more for students who get involved,” PTK advisor Amanda Waterstrat said. “I've seen student leaders in PTK take on extraordinary projects that connect them to their peers, to faculty, to staff, and to the broader community. They learn so much about themselves and grow as students and leaders. It is inspiring.”

PTK members also become eligible to apply each year for a wide range of valuable scholarships, Waterstrat said.

For more information about Phi Theta Kappa, students can contact any of the Omicron Zeta chapter advisors: Dr. Amanda Waterstrat (amanda.waterstrat@kctcs.edu), Dr. Melissa Adams (melissa.adams@kctcs.edu), Johnna Atkinson-Bigelow (johnna.atkinson-bigelow@kctcs.edu), Dr. Korey Bruck (korey.bruck@kctcs.edu), Marilyn Crabtree (marilyn.carbtree@kctcs.edu), Dr. Melanie Hines (melanie.hines@kctcs.edu), and Kim Toby (kimberly.toby@kctcs.edu).