Phi Theta Kappa sees large number of PJC students inducted

Published or Revised November 03, 2014

A double celebration highlighted the recent fall induction of Paris Junior College students into the Beta Zeta Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, the two-year college honor society. This is PJC’s 90th year and the 82nd anniversary of the chapter at PJC. “As I travel to other community colleges and state and national conventions, I find that our students match up against anybody in this nation,” said PJC President Dr. Pam Anglin. “I want to be the first to congratulate you and thank you for choosing PJC to further your education.” Featured speaker was archivist Daisy Harvill from PJC’s A.M. and Welma Aikin Regional Archives, who was also a member of Phi Theta Kappa in 1962-63 and a longtime PTK sponsor herself after she returned to PJC as archivist and English teacher. “It’s a great honor to be back to speak of my long association with the Beta Zeta chapter of Phi Theta Kappa,” Harvill said. “I was always proud to be a member and still am, and I hope this organization ” Harvill reminisced about how PTK sponsors Mary Lou Williams, wife of then-president Louis B. Williams and Myra Fuller, who taught English and horseback riding at PJC, inspired her to become an English teacher. She also shared PTK activities from when she was a student, such as how voting for the Maid of Spring cost one cent and proceeds sponsored PTK’s ad in the yearbook, The Galleon. For the five charter members, eligibility was based on a 90 percent average in grades. In 1954, PTK won the national award for most active chapter in the nation. Beta Zeta won again in 1955, was runner-up in 1956, and upon winning in 1957 gained permanent possession of the award plaque. In 1966, PTK named the national award after the Beta Zeta chapter due to the number of their wins. An explanation of PTK symbols and led by PTK officers including president Paula Vaughan, Vice President Daniel Colin and Treasurer Aaron Sturgess preceded the induction ceremony. Though only one induction ceremony will be held this fall, members will continue to be accepted through the end of the semester. PTK offers $37 million in transfer scholarships to more than 700 colleges and universities in the United States, Canada, Great Britain, and online. Members are also eligible to apply for scholarships and award programs to assist them with costs of attending two-year schools. Students who are in PTK also have opportunities to develop qualities of scholarship, leadership, fellowship, and service. As each new member's name was read, the students lit their candle of light and learning and signed the official membership book. Students inducted (first from Texas towns, then other states) include: Avery: Racheal Rhea Bagwell: Sheliah Freeman Blossom: Jenaveve Lester, Heather Payne, Lauren Ray and Katy Wilkins Bonham: Amy Hampton Brookston: Katharine Wiebe Caddo Mills: Kelsea Garnett and Jeffery Parsons Celeste: Nathan Warren Clarksville: Cedric Crawford Commerce: Lorie Gregory-Doolin Emory: Roger Hunt Garland: Chengzhou Liang Greenville: Tina Ball, Alexxus Banks, Jasmine Bates, Trixie Brockway, Marley Brown, Shanelle Carlisle, Austin Etheridge, Mandi Farley, Brandon Grob, Richard Horton, Elizabeth Pickle, Miriam Rodarte, Rosa Rodriguez, Lacy Sorrells and Geovanni Velaquez Ladonia: J.J. Fornof Lake Creek: William Watson Lone Oak: Tracey Stevens-Blotz Paris: Cade Armstrong, Kyle Boor, Elena Crawford, Cesar Cid, Skylar Dillen, Alicia Harris, April Horton, Rusty Jones, Kristin McConnell, Steven McCormack, Desiree Meredith, Madison Montgomery, David Neeley, Amelia Preston, Hailey Ray and Kylar Reynolds. Pattonville: Breanna Black, Aaron Burris, Mollye Lay and Matthew Stemen Pickton: Breanna Raleigh Point: Chastity Underhill Ponder: Shawnasee Swenson Powderly: Rachel Freeman Quinlan: Avery Christenson, Cody Helm, Christy Ogletree and Chance Pyron Reno: Lauren Jeans and Stoney Johnson Roxton: Kalyl McGuire Royse City: Jared Loftis and London Snipes Sulphur Springs: Jo A. Boyce, Stephanie Gamez, Lacey Jackson, Nicole Klemptner, Wendy Packert, Calvin Perry, Selena Santana, Faith Schwen, Nima Sherpa and Candes Wakeman Sumner: Ashley Miller Wills Point: Ashley Capps, Jicela Cervantes and Isaac Simmons Wolfe City: Jeramy Howell Yantis: Bobbie Brown, Magan Smith and Amy Wilburn Antlers, Oklahoma: Matthew Turner