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Academic achievement took center stage as Lincoln Trail College welcomed a new class of students into the Alpha Iota Epsilon chapter of Phi Theta Kappa during its spring induction ceremony.
The ceremony recognized students who have demonstrated excellence in the classroom and a commitment to scholarship, leadership and service.
Chapter Co-Advisor Carrie Brown opened the evening with welcoming remarks, followed by Vice President of Scholarship Boyd Gallaher, who presented the candidates for induction. Dr. Ryan Gower, Chancellor of Illinois Eastern Community Colleges, delivered the keynote address.
Chapter President Cameron Baker presented the charge to new members, emphasizing the responsibility and opportunity that come with joining Phi Theta Kappa. Gallaher then shared the symbolism of the torch, representing knowledge and the pursuit of truth, while Vice President of Leadership Fait Tooloose reflected on the meaning of the white rose, a symbol of purity and aspiration.
Tooloose joined Vice President of Service Kline Woodward and Gallaher to explain the symbolism of the Phi Theta Kappa emblem, highlighting the organization’s core values. Baker then led the inductees in reciting the Phi Theta Kappa Pledge, followed by Tooloose, who guided the ceremony’s moment of solemnity.
Chapter Co-Advisor Kim Schucker concluded the ceremony by recognizing the newest members and encouraging them to take full advantage of the opportunities available through Phi Theta Kappa.
The new members of Phi Theta Kappa are:
McKinnon Anderson, Emma Newlin, Kaiden Anderson-Wisnewski, Bella Nottger, Gracelyn Arvin, Kabosh Okpebholoray, Lucrezia Benelli Becchi, Elahna Perry, Curtis Benson, Mersadees Sassman, Kami Black, Jeremy Schwartz, Claire Boehm, Hazel Sekhwela, Fucundo Casero, Joshua Silva, Hugo Cuesta, Adyson Smith, Jonathan Darst, Dalton Spahn, Navaeh Elliott, Samuel Stacy, Riley Erton, Molly Stanton, Alexandra Gray, Jonna Tanneur, Natalee Hedge, Cade Tracy, Daleek Hutchinson, Brayden Turner, Calvin Inboden, Eli Vennard, Lexington Jenkins, Isaac Waggner, Milaina Kramme, Madelyn Waggoner, Kelsey Meeks, Gracie Weger, Maria Mero, Aidan Willis, Mothekgi Mpaketsane and Dominic Yarber.
Phi Theta Kappa is the official honor society for two-year colleges, recognized by the American Association of Community Colleges since 1929. Founded in 1918, the organization promotes academic excellence, leadership and service among students at community and technical colleges.
To be eligible for membership, students must complete at least 12 credit hours of college-level coursework and maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA.
