Phi Theta Kappa Members, left to right: Abygail Hicks, Madison Ferreira, Rachel Byrns, Holly Hawkins, Kaylee Epperson, Dalen Stopher, Katherine Embry, Hoan Nguyen, Vy Nguyen, Kara Price
Eighteen students were initiated into the Rho Psi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa on April 19 at Wabash Valley College. The officers conducting the ceremony were: President Katie Hnetkovsky, Vice President Lauren Goodson, Secretary Amanda Hundley, and Treasurer Christy Haase.
The 2018 Rho Psi initiates were: Jayden Brown, Rachel Byrns, Megan Eder, Katherine Embry, Kaylee Epperson, Madison Ferreira, Holly Hawkins, Matthew Herman, Abygail Hicks, Destinee Miles, Erin Niederhaus, Hoan Nguyen, Vy Nguyen, Kara Price, Haley Shewmake, Dalen Stopher, Tien Tran, and Jonas Trimble.
Presentation of the Phi Theta Kappa 2018 scholarships was by Faculty Advisor Brenda Phegley. Since 1984, the local Rho Psi Chapter has awarded $9,800 in scholarships. Students must complete an application form and write an essay. Applicants are judged on G.P.A., involvement in activities, and the essay. The recipients of the $100 scholarships were Lauren Goodson and Jacey Schwarzlose.
Lauren Goodson is from Mt. Carmel. She has been on the CEO’s honors list while attending WVC. She is a member of the Health Professionals Club, the Student Nurses’ Association, and the National Technical Honor Society. She is also a worship volunteer at Parkview Christian Church and a volunteer at Parkview’s Caring Closet, in addition to volunteering at Hope Pregnancy Center’s fundraisers. Lauren received both the Outstanding Transfer Student Scholarship and the Mary Cunningham Scholarship in 2017. Lauren’s future plans include completing the Nursing Program at WVC and then obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing.
Jacey Schwarzlose is from West Salem. She has been on the CEO’s and President’s honors lists while attending WVC. She is a member of the WVC Tribe Club, the WVC Seekers Christian Club, and Who’s Who Among American College Students. She volunteers at Zion United Methodist Church, where she helps with Vacation Bible School, Feed My Starving Children, and Threads of Hope. Jacey received a Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholarship from Phi Theta Kappa. Jacey’s future plans include transferring to Oakland City University, where she will major in Christian Counseling. After obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Christian Studies, she plans to pursue a Master of Divinity Degree.
The members of the Phi Theta Kappa All-Illinois Academic Team for 2018 were also introduced. These students are Jacey Schwarzlose and Julia Whittler.
Phi Theta Kappa has recognized intellectual achievement in American two-year colleges since 1918. Membership in Phi Theta Kappa is conferred on those students of the community college who have “established academic excellence as judged by the college faculty.” Initiates must have completed at least one semester of community college work, achieved at least a cumulative 3.5 G.P.A., and must possess qualities of good citizenship. Since its founding, Phi Theta Kappa has been the national honor society for American community colleges.
Phi Theta Kappa Officers, left to right: Lauren Goodson, Katie Hnetkovsky, Amanda Hundley, Christy Haase
Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship Recipients, left to right: Jacey Schwarzlose, Lauren Goodson
Phi Theta Kappa All-Illinois Team, left to right: Julia Whittler, Jacey Schwarzlose