Omicron Psi, Grayson College’s chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), begins the 2012-2013 academic year fresh on the heels of another banner awards year. For the third year in a row, it was recognized as a Five-Star Level Chapter during the Texas Regional Convention for its activities and services projects. The chapter first achieved the level in 2010, after reaching that distinction in only one year.
“Chapter members complete an exhaustive system of about 50 benchmarks to achieve the rating,” said Mary Linder, GC government professor and PTK adviser. “Chapter members go above and beyond in their service to Omicron Psi and the students of GC, and this achievement recognizes that.”
GC graduates Shelly Alejandro of Whitewright and Cammie Casarez of Denison were inducted into the Texas Hall of Honors for Outstanding Members. Brad Turner was one of only five recipients of the Outstanding Friend of Texas Award, which is given to PTK supporters who are neither members nor advisers. Turner is the husband of chapter president, Katie Turner, Sadler sophomore.
Dr. Alan Scheibmeir, recently retired GC president, was inducted into the Hall of Honor for Chief Executive Officers. The award cites his outstanding efforts toward promoting the goals of PTK. Scheibmeir also received the Michael Bennett Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding support provided to PTK over many years.
Omicron Psi won the Icarus Award, which is given for an Honors Study Topic event and the chapter’s written essay detailing the goals, outcome and effects of the event. Additionally, the chapter’s participation in both College Project and Honors in Action were recognized. It received the only Honors in Action Award of Distinction for the event, “Language and Communication.” After researching the impact of texting and tweeting on the spoken and written language, the chapter hosted a panel discussion geared toward students. The event video is posted on the chapter’s YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/ptkomicronpsi.
“For the second year in a row, we reached a level 5 Pinnacle Award for chapter growth,” Linder said. “We increased our membership by 25 percent.”
Omicron Psi members aren’t resting on their laurels; they are busy preparing for the next Honors in Action event, “Voter Turnout and the Impact of Negative Campaigning.” A panel discussion will present on campus Oct. 9. The chapter’s College Project also is under way as they focus on the importance of completing college credentials. The project explores the value of graduating with an associate’s degree before transferring to a four-year university.
In addition to Turner, chapter officers are: Rob Czajkowski of Denison, first vice president; Mahawa Diakite of Sherman, vice president of special projects; Cheyene Guedea-Mills of Whitewright, recording secretary; and Sean Ruiz of Pottsboro, public relations officer. All of them are GC sophomores.
Phi Theta Kappa is the international honor society for students of two-year colleges. To become PTK members, students must have completed at least 12 hours of coursework and have a grade point average of 3.5 or higher. For more information about the GC chapter, contact Linder at linderm@grayson.edu or visit the chapter’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/ptk.omicronpsi