Forty-one students were initiated into the Rho Psi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa on April 11 at Wabash Valley College. The officers conducting the ceremony were: President Holly Hawkins, Vice- President Katie Embry, Secretary Jonas Trimble, and Secretary Vy Nguyen.
The 2019 Rho Psi initiates were: Keri Ankenbrandt, Kylie Applebey, Lindsey Bangert, Ella Banks, Kaitlynn Bennett, Justin Berberich, Katherine Brink, Ashten Brock, Tyger Clodfelter, Theresa Coleman, Tanner Creed, Breanna Dudley, Alexander Enton, Skylar Freeman, Emily Goodson, Kracell Guard, Paige Heinrich, Traci Heinrich, Addie Hemrich, Denara Hortin, Hunter Hortin, Ryan Jones, Rebecca Kieffer, Julia Konopasek, Crystal Mossberger, Kelsey Phelps, Seanna Rodrick, Lindi Roesch, Lindsay Rogers, Elaine Rudolphi, Megan Saltsgaver, Jayla Schwarzlose, Kianna Sharp, Taylor Sutton, Taylor Waggoner, Paul Wilcoxen, Samantha Wilson, Samuel Wilson, Lauryn Wright, Morgan York, and McKenna Zimmerman.
Presentation of the Phi Theta Kappa 2019 scholarships was by Faculty Advisor Brenda Phegley. Since 1984, the local Rho Psi Chapter has awarded $10,000 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 Vy Ngugen and Jonas Trimble.
Vy Nguyen is from Vietnam. Vy has been on the CEO’s Honors List while attending WVC. She is a member of the International Club, the Health Professionals Club, and the Science Club at WVC. Vy has also volunteered at the animal shelter and at First Christian Church and Church of God, where she has assisted with Bible School, Children’s Fellowship, Fall Festival, Brown Bag Buddies, and daycare. In addition to these activities, Vy is a tutor at WVC, and she works at the Red Café. Vy plans to transfer to The Ohio State University, where she will major in dental hygiene.
Jonas Trimble is from Allendale. While attending WVC, Jonas has been on the President’s Honors List. Jonas serves on the Board of Directors of the Student Senate, and he helps with the food pantry for WVC students. He also initiated the Time Capsule Project at WVC. He is also a member of the Collegiate Farm Bureau. His volunteer activities include the Knights of Columbus Chowder, the Young Leaders Pork Burger Stand, and the Christmas Uptown Festival. Jonas works part time at Mt. Carmel Public Utility. Jonas plans to transfer to Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, where he will major in electrical engineering.
Following the presentation of the scholarships, the 2019 member of the Phi Theta Kappa All-Illinois Academic Team was introduced. This year’s recipient was Abygail Hicks.
Phi Theta Kappa has recognized intellectual achievement in American community colleges since 1918. Membership in Phi Theta Kappa is conferred on those students 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 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: (L to R): Secretary Jonas Trimble, Treasurer Vy Nguyen, President Holly Hawkins, Vice-President Katie Embry
Phi Theta Kappa Scholarships: (L to R): Jonas Trimble, Vy Nguyen
All-Illinois Academic Team Member: Abygail Hicks