PTK inducts 68 new members during ceremony

Phi Theta Kappa held the Induction Ceremony and Academic Team Celebration for the Alpha Gamma Upsilon chapter on Sunday, February 18. The ceremony welcomed 68 new members to PTK, with 17 inductees plus family and friends in attendance. The ceremony was conducted in the Earle N. Wright Community Room by officers Emily Howard, Joriz Mandoc, Sierra Petty, Journey Catlett, Demtrios Catlett, Cole Batten, and advisors Janet Clasen and Julianna Smarsh. In addition, the chapters recognized the All-State Academic Team of Emily Howard, William “Danny” Ball, Drew Perez, Rachel Silhan, William “Danny” Ball, and Nikoe Brinning for their achievements. Nikole Brinning represents the Workforce Pathway Scholarship, a program for outstanding student leaders in the field of Career and Technical Education. 

Many students applied for these honors in the fall, and through a series of essays demonstrating their leadership and volunteerism, these students were selected to represent Cowley College at the state level and received scholarship checks from Cowley College president Dr. Michelle Schoon. The students will be invited to attend a luncheon in Junction City on April 12, 2024, where they will receive medals and certificates.  

Honors were also given to those who completed the PTK Edge programs, self-paced courses available through ptk.org focusing on soft skills, critical thinking, and more. Students who completed one or more programs included Emily Howard*, Demetrios Catlett*, Sierra Petty, and Katelyn Wilson. *indicating completion of all five edge programs.

Students asked Dr. Schoon to serve as the guest speaker. She presented ideas regarding the organization's four pillars: leadership, scholarship, fellowship, and service. While acknowledging the familiar benefits such as leadership roles, she motivated students to participate actively, emphasizing the discovery of unforeseen advantages through practical experience.   

Lastly, the officers presented former PTK co-sponsor Deborah Layton with a gift for her support of PTK over the last 10 years. Demetrios Catlett said, “We cannot express our gratitude enough to her for all the time and effort she has put into Alpha Gamma Upsilon to bring it to where it is today.” 

The program was followed by cake and refreshments.

Phi Theta Kappa students will soon attend the Heartland Regional Convention in Overland Park on March 1-3. The Alpha Gamma Upsilon chapter is excited about its new and ongoing projects for the year, including the upcoming Benefit Dinner and Silent Auction, their annual fundraiser on April 2 in the Wright Room. Tickets are on sale now by contacting Janet Clasen at 620-441-5202 or janet.clasen@cowley.edu. 

New Inductees to the Alpha Gamma Upsilon chapter: Ian Aggson, Tressy Alcorn, Ethan Atwell, Emma Badley, Kaitlyn Ball, William Ball, Bethania Barreto, Wendi Bland, Kelsie Bowers, Reese Braeger, Blythe Brewer, Nikole Brinning, Janessa Brungardt, Landry Cate, Demetrios Catlett, Tynisha Clitso, Elizaveta Danilova, Britain Dark, Tammy Do, Journey Fannon, Kaydence Farris, Mya Field, Katie Figueroa, Richard Graves, Autumn Hampton, Lia Hayslip, Jazmine Hunninghake, Leo Jaukovic, Lillee Jones, Sadie Kabisch, Kays Kays, Alan Little, David Lobel, Joriz Mandac, James McAllister, Audrie McCollum, Emalie McCollum, Christina Miller, Sannah Azuh Mutanga, Aigiza Nasyrova, Nella Nevalainen, Emily O’Connor, Spencer Olmstead, Kinzie Pappan, Reese Pappan, Taylor Pappan, Brigden Parker, Gabriel Perazoli Verona, Drew Perez, Riley Perdue, Kelsey Ready, Elias Robson, Ada Ronnemaa, Skyler Russell, Anna Sade, Montana Saguto, Kaitlin Schmidt, Santee Shelby, Aleah Shaw, Caitlyn Stanley, Viacheslav Sychev, Andrew Talburt, Kimberly West, Rachel White, Curtis Whitley, Zacara Witcher, Stephne Worden, and Nikkia Zabel.

Rama Peroo | Director of Institutional Communication
Cowley College
125 S. 2nd Street
Arkansas City, KS 67005
rama.peroo@cowley.edu