Phi Theta Kappa: Honors and Excellence

Madison Weikle, staff writer

PVCC’s Honors Society Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) is transforming the world one student at a time. PTK is an exclusive honors society within PVCC that helps organize volunteer opportunities and offers students transfer scholarships in order to get into the school of their dreams.

According to the PVCC website, a fundamental part of PTK is all about participation. Members are often seen working and volunteering around the school and community in food and toy drives, charity walks, and environmental activities.

PTK’s Vice President of Scholarship Marissa Hall spoke about her experience, “PTK gives me the environment I need with other like-minded individuals in helping the community in any way possible while still having fun.”

However, joining PTK can be difficult. Eligible members are invited through email by the society and sent a code giving them access to register online. The eligibility of a student is determined from a various number of factors. Members must be enrolled as a full-time student at PVCC.

Depending on how many credits have been completed, members must have a certain GPA. Those who have completed 12 to 30 credits must have at least a 3.5 GPA; while if students have completed 30 or more credits, they are required to have a 3.25 GPA.

There are many benefits for being involved in PTK. Members have access to certain scholarships, conventions, and seminars not offered to other students. They are also invited to a special picnic in the Spring where they are recognized by the PVCC staff including the president of the college. Finally PTK brings committed students together to form friendship in a motivating and supportive setting.

Hall said, “I have made some of the greatest connections of my life through PTK, and I hope that same message resonates with current and incoming members for years and years. Being in a leadership role has changed my perspective. It has given me the deeper appreciation through teaching me not only academic skills but time management and enhancing my teamwork abilities. The best work has been done when it has been a collaborative effort.”

PTK will have its official induction ceremony to celebrate its newest members from 3:30-6:30 p.m. on April 5, 2018.