Halifax Community College recently welcomed 25 new members into the Alpha Eta Phi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa international honor society.
The spring 2023 PTK inductees were Emerson Bobbitt, Brandon Cook, Rosa Daniel, Cynthia De Lapaz, Kamryn Dixon, Anthony Garnica, Joanna Gonzalez-Olguin, Kaneisha Fleming, Richard Halaman, Takira Newsome, Brooke Loving, Aquayla Lynch, Aja Madison, Trinity Mudungo, Ahyanna Neville, Amaya Owens, Johana Paredes, Khamauri Wood, Chyenna Reynolds, T’niya Robinson, Lshun Silver, Jackson Taylor, Kyra Vincent, Dorathea Powell, and Jakaelyn Vizcarrondo.
PTK member Brianna O’Neal welcomed the attendees to the ceremony, and PTK member Parish Robinson delivered an invocation.
PTK alumnus and HCC employee Brandee Vaughan introduced the keynote speaker, Brianna McKoy, PTK’s president and a dual-enrolled student at Roanoke Valley Early College and Halifax Community College.
McKoy highlighted in her speech that the PTK inductees should continue to set “short-term goals to reach your long-term goals. During this upcoming summer, consider a new challenge, such as learning a new dance, skill, or language.”
Following McKoy’s speech, Gary Redding and Ellen Divens, HCC instructors and PTK’s co-advisors, inducted the new members.
To be eligible, each member was required to have a 3.5 GPA or higher, complete a minimum of 12 credit hours of coursework towards an associate degree, and be in good academic standing.
HCC’s leaders concluded the ceremony with words of encouragement.
Dr. Jeffery Fields, vice-president of academic affairs, acknowledged the new inductees for their excellent academic achievements and PTK’s co-advisors for their unwavering commitment to PTK.
Dr. Barbara Bradley-Hasty, vice-president of enrollment management and student services, inspired the new inductees to remain invested in achieving excellent academic results.
HCC President Patrena Elliott concluded the ceremony by celebrating HCC’s academic successes and recognizing the family members, friends and other supporters in attendance.
Phi Theta Kappa recognizes the academic achievement of college students and provides opportunities for its members to grow as scholars and leaders.
Established in 1918, Phi Theta Kappa has a presence on almost 1,300 community college campuses in 11 nations.