Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society inducts new members

The Alpha Xi Tau Chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society at Surry Community College held its annual induction ceremony for 15 new members for fall 2023/spring 2024 in the Grand Hall of the Shelton-Badgett North Carolina Center for Viticulture and Enology on Feb. 23.

College President Dr. David Shockley provided opening remarks. The keynote speaker was James Quick, SCC lead instructor in Applied Animal Science and this year’s recipient of the SCC Excellence in Teaching Award. In addition, Heather Couch, a PTK member and SCC financial aid compliance specialist, provided entertainment with musical performances of “A Million Dreams” by Pink and “What a Wonderful World” by Eva Cassidy, made popular by Louis Armstrong.

The inductees are: Autumn Beck of Lowgap, Veronika Dimeo of Westfield, Megan Hancock of Pilot Mountain, Luke Johnson of King, Melinda McCane of Mount Airy, McKenna Merritt of Dobson, Melanie Munoz-Lorenzo of East Bend, Rachel Russo of Ararat, Va., Autumn Simmons of Ararat, Bridgette Slate of Mount Airy, Lina Staley of Yadkinville, Kaitlynn Thomas of Dobson, Sydney Tucker of Pilot Mountain, Jae Vogler-Fain of Mount Airy, and Megan Wilkins of Siloam.

The chapter officers for 2024/2025 were also installed. They are Ellie Edwards, Veronika Dimeo, Melinda McCane, Rachel Russo, Autumn Simmons, and Megan Wilkins.

“The ceremony showcases student achievements and inspires future success,” said Chapter President Sydney Presa.

The Surry Community College’s PTK chapter is designated a Five Star Chapter, active in service to the community.

Most recently, the chapter worked on an Honors in Action project researching the effects of single-use plastic on local waterways. As part of the project, they hosted a cleanup on the Ararat River. The chapter is creating videos answering common questions which parents and students have about the transition from high school to college that will be featured on surry.edu.

Established in 1918, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society serves to recognize and encourage the academic achievement of two-year college students and provide opportunities for individual growth and development through honors, leadership, and service programming.

For more information about Phi Theta Kappa and its projects, contact PTK’s faculty co-advisors Dr. Kathleen Fowler at 336-386-3560 or fowlerk@surry.edu or Kayla Forrest at 336-386-3315 or forrestkm@surry.edu or go to www.ptk.org.