Phi Theta Kappa holds fall induction at Paris Junior College

Published or Revised December 01, 2013

The Paris Junior College Beta Zeta Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa held induction ceremonies Wednesday in the Student Center Ballroom. After a welcome and introduction by Vice President of Instruction Dr. Barbara Buchanan, chapter sponsors Ty Welborn, Marsha Dennis, Joe Jackson, and Jay Strickland conducted ceremonies while describing the various symbols of the organization. The Phi Theta Kappa Beta Zeta Chapter was founded in 1931. The founders sought to recognize scholastic achievement by students and establish a common purpose and standard for honors organizations on their different campuses. The name “Phi Theta Kappa” was taken from the initial letters of the three Greek words meaning “wisdom”, “aspiration" and “purity”. 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 and their hometowns include: Alba: Luckey Kirkpatrick Blossom: Andrew Bothwell, Cassity Egan and Elizabeth Flick Bogata: Christopher Watts Brashear: Mirna Campos Celeste: Alisha Williford Commerce: Collins Omondi Como: Jerry Jaynes and Rebecca Jaynes Cooper: Christopher Bassham, Jamie Landers and Linda Tatum Cumby: Kelsey Steele Dike: Jamie Leavens Greenville: Taylor Ehrhart, Brinkley Henson, Jody Key, Karen McClellen, Amanda Mills, Justin Mumphrey and Christin Walsh Paris: Mohammed Alam, Norris Banks, Calynn Brown, Allison Ensey, Elizabeth Golden, Halee Lindsey, Melissa Newberry, Olivia Palomares, Kindyll Parks, Tyler Rowell, Aaron Sturgess, Tanner Waggoner, Anna Watson and Candace Weist Pattonville: Taylor McCloure, Kacie Parris, Katelyn Sims and Rachel Witherspoon Pickton: Diana Ramirez Powderly: William Madewell, Kodi McKnight and Brianna Schroeder Reno: Andrew Dunn Rockwall: Bryan Wilhelms Roxton: Stuart Edris Royse City: Isaiah Esters Sulphur Springs: Ashley Fordinal, Samantha Gamez, Charlotte Hoppenreys, Joseph Martin, Trevor McClure, Bernalyn McCord and Lindsay Stroup Sumner: Haley Hostetler and Ryan Robinson Terrell: Matthew Ralston PTK inductees from Oklahoma include: Dustin Davidson, Antlers; Denniel Walker, Hugo; Paula Vaughan, Soper; and Jayme Nelson, Valliant. Following the ceremonies family, friends and PJC faculty and staff joined the students in a reception. Phi Theta Kappa observes its anniversary on Founders Day, November 19.