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Surry Community College
Surry Community College
Alpha Xi Tau Celebrates America’s 250th Birthday!
On Wednesday, June 24, 2026, Alpha Xi Tau Chapter partnered with Surry Community College and the James Hunter chapter of the Daughters of the America Revolution to celebrate America’s 250th birthday with a Liberty Tree Dedication, Ice Cream Social, and Genealogy Workshop.
Dr. David R. Shockley, SCC President, began the ceremony, announcing the importance of remembering the courage and commitment of the men and women who founded our nation. Dr. Shockley also recited the prologue to the Declaration of Independence. Revolutionary War re-enactor, Taylor Osborne then spoke briefly about our local patriots and their contributions to the fight for American Independence, including the battles of King’s Mountain and Guilford Courthouse.
Before we unveiled our campus Liberty Tree and its monument, PTK Chapter President Cheri Landreth provided a few words about our nation’s first Liberty Tree and how it came to symbolize freedom. Did you know that the first Liberty Tree was a large elm tree located at a main intersection in Boston, Massachusetts? It was planted in 1646 and was nearly 120 years old by the time of the American Revolution. The area under its branches became a popular meeting place of Boston citizens in the 1760s. However, in 1775, during the Siege of Boston, Loyalists and British soldiers cut the stately elm tree down and burned it, but the Liberty Tree continued to be a potent symbol of freedom in America. Hundreds of towns across the thirteen colonies dedicated new Liberty Trees to the cause of freedom.
Because this year is the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence towns across America are dedicating new Liberty Trees as a reminder of this event and of the men and women who sacrificed their lives and fortunes for our freedom.
PTK Chapter Vice President Kelley Peele then revealed the Patriotic Quilt hand sewn in honor of America’s 250th birthday by PTK co-advisor and NSDAR James Hunter Chapter regent, Dr. Kathleen D. Fowler. Each of the 16 blocks represents one of the 13 original states or one of three famous local Revolutionary War battles: Cowpens, King’s Mountain, and Guilford Courthouse. The quilt is now on display in the college library, across from our Patriot Tree which is decorated with wooden ornaments identifying 35 local patriots who served in the Revolutionary War.
After the Liberty Tree Dedication Ceremony, our college hosted an ice cream social. As participants enjoyed their sweet treats, they proudly showed off their patriotic face-painting provided by PTK officer, Emma Pipes.
Later that afternoon, PTK co-advisors, Drs. Kathleen Fowler and Kayla Forrest led a Genealogy Workshop, where they helped participants learn more about their family history. Several were even able to trace their lineages back to patriots of the Revolutionary War!
Dr. Fowler explained, “Knowing where we came from helps us to understand who we are. It provides an anchor, giving us a sense of personal identity that is rooted in time. By keeping alive the stories of the men and women who sacrificed their lives and fortunes for our freedom, we pass on a rich legacy to future generations.”
York Technical College
York Technical College
Alp(h)a Alp(h)a Iota Has Been Busy!
By: Florian Woodall, Alpha Alpha Iota Vice President for Leadership
Alpha Alpha Iota has had an exciting and productive summer, with members participating in the Phi Theta Kappa International Honors Institute in Denver, Colorado, and the Carolinas Region Honors Institute in Asheboro, North Carolina.
At the International Honors Institute, three of our officers and two advisors had the opportunity to explore Denver, including an unforgettable visit to Meow Wolf, while also taking part in a week of learning, leadership, and collaboration with Phi Theta Kappa members from across the country.
Throughout the institute, we heard from an outstanding lineup of keynote speakers. Josh Allan Dykstra, an optimistic futurist, author, and podcaster, challenged us to rethink how we approach work, leadership, and the future. Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner, President and CEO of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, encouraged members to make the most of the opportunities PTK provides while inspiring us to continue striving for excellence. Glenn Rohlfing and Stefan Huddleston, historians and educators, explored how understanding history helps us imagine and prepare for the future. Finally, Dr. Sammy Ramsey, an award-winning entomologist and founder of the Ramsey Research Foundation, shared fascinating insights from his honeybee research and demonstrated how curiosity and scientific innovation can solve real-world challenges.
Members also participated in a variety of educational sessions centered on this year's Honors Study Topic, What's Next: Imagining the Future, along with workshops on leadership, chapter development, and Honors in Action. One highlight was a screening of Hoppers, followed by small-group discussions about how the film's themes connected to this year's Honors Study Topic.
Our learning didn't stop there. We were also honored to attend this year's Carolina Region Honors Institute, hosted by Randolph Community College in Asheboro, North Carolina. During the institute, we collaborated with Phi Theta Kappa members from across the region, forming new friendships while learning how to develop an Honors in Action (HIA) project. Each group created its own mini HIA project, giving everyone valuable hands-on experience.
The weekend also included a lively debate on whether volunteering should be mandatory in schools, along with a memorable talent show filled with laughter, impressive performances, and a few heartfelt moments.
We are grateful for the opportunity to represent Alpha Alpha Iota at both Honors Institutes and look forward to bringing what we learned back to our chapter as we continue preparing for another successful year.
Transfer Excellence Scholarship Winner Announced at the Regional Honors Institute 2026 Held at Randolph Community College in Asheboro, NC
Transfer Excellence Scholarship Winner Announced at the Regional Honors Institute 2026 Held at Randolph Community College in Asheboro, NC
Hello, Carolinas Region!
We had a record-breaking number of applications submitted this year for our annual Transfer Excellence Scholarship worth $500.00 USD. NINETEEN in total!!! The funds raised from the institution sponsors during the Spring and Fall Transfer Fair events are used to fund this amazing opportunity. The judges had some amazing applications to review, but ultimately, one recipient was chosen. We would like to first say congratulations to all the applicants on their recent program graduations and wish them all good luck at their four-year institutions! Without further ado...
The alumni judges completed their scoring the Monday prior to Honors Institute. The winner was also announced in person on Sunday June 28th, 2026, during the final General Session and notified a few moments later. If you were unable to attend in person, here is the write-up from the Alumni Leadership Team:
This recipient stood out to the alumni judging panel not only for facing adversity but knew that education could alter their path and forge their future. This individual’s journey can be described as one of strength and perseverance and exemplifies what it means to never give up.
One particular portion of this student’s essay stood out the most when discussing the difficulties associated with continuing their educational journey. The applicant notated that “Continuous learning to me means waking up every day with an open mind and a willingness to learn something new. The day someone decides they know everything and there is nothing left to learn is the day they stop growing. Educational success should be measured by how strong a person's desire is to keep learning.”
When asked about what motivates them to be successful academically as well as in their everyday lives, they offered this perspective: “My motivation to learn won't decrease when I earn my bachelor's degree because learning has never been about collecting credentials. Learning helped me survive difficult seasons and become a better leader and parent. Somewhere between homework by candlelight and a Kroger parking lot, I learned that education isn't about proving what you know. It's about having the courage to keep growing and showing others they can too.”
It is a self-reflection that helps keep their focus on track and helps to focus on the reason they endure so much- to be an inspiration to those who come after us. This recipient will be transferring to pursue a bachelor’s degree in public relations at the University of South Carolina. Unfortunately, she was unable to join us this weekend, but is humbled and excited to have been chosen for this award.
From Alpha Eta Kappa of Midlands Technical College, please join us in congratulating Ciara Wallace as the 2026-2027 Transfer Excellence Scholarship recipient!
Haywood Community College
Haywood Community College
The Alpha Lambda Mu chapter at Haywood Community College has had a very busy semester. We have hosted an Advisor Training, sent a member and advisor to Regional Leadership Conference, and worked hard on campus. We have helped the Environmental Club with the Annual Creepy Critter Night, which teaches children that certain critters are not so creepy after all. We served drinks at the 5th Annual Kickball Tournament at HCC. We are also collecting dry dog and cat food for Clyde’s Cupboard, the campus food pantry.
Stanly Community College
Stanly Community College
Alpha Psi Upsilon Chapter at Stanly Community College held a Spring Social for all students. While Spring Fling and Fall Fest are held campus-wide each year, some students are unable to attend due to work, clinicals, etc., so this event was planned for the evening. To promote the event, flyers were placed in all buildings and also posted on Canvas.
Back to the 80s! was a great theme. PTK officers made a Spotify account with an ’80s playlist. This allowed everyone to make requests and add songs.
Everyone in attendance participated in music trivia with donated prizes for the winning team, and consolation prizes were given to all participants!
This was truly a social event as attendees enjoyed tabletop games, danced, and used an '80's groovy backdrop to take pictures with friends while enjoying snacks.
Wake Tech Community College
Wake Tech Community College
107 New Phi Theta Kappa Members Join the Beta Alpha Zeta Chapter for Fall 2025
On November 5, 2025, Wake Tech Community College hosted its Fall 2025 induction ceremony to welcome 107 new members into the Beta Alpha Zeta chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the international honor society for two-year colleges. The event was held on the Southern Wake Campus and featured special guest Jacob Wisor, President of the Carolina Region of Phi Theta Kappa.
In his remarks, Wisor encouraged inductees to “shift your focus from what you get to what you give,” emphasizing the importance of meaningful service and intentional action. He reminded students that when they pursue their goals with authenticity and purpose—rather than a focus on immediate rewards—their passion will ultimately shine through.
The ceremony also included greetings from Mr. Brian Gann, Vice President for Enrollment & Student Services, and Dr. Gayle Greene, Executive Vice President & Chief Operations Officer.
2025–2026 Chapter Officers Installed
During the ceremony, the following officers were officially installed for the 2025–2026 academic year:
Megan Turner, President
Valentina Acosta, Vice President, Eastern Wake Campus
Xia Han, Vice President, Perry Health Sciences Campus
Elizabeth Philips, Vice President, Scott Northern Wake Campus
Kiran Kaur, Vice President, Southern Wake Campus
Zeba Hussaini, Vice President, RTP Campus
Carolina Yaipen Calderon, Public Relations Secretary
Ashley McCray, Recording Secretary
Marcel Moore, SGA Representative
Chapter President Megan Turner is pursuing both Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degrees at Wake Tech and plans to transfer to UNC–Chapel Hill to study Behavioral & Integrative Neuroscience. She provided updates on the chapter’s Honors in Action and college projects, encouraging new inductees to get involved.
Special recognition was also given to Chapter Advisor Rhonda Thomson in honor of her more than 30 years of outstanding leadership and service to PTK.
Carolina Yaipen Calderon
Public Relations Secretary
Chapter Advisors
Mr. Steven Hill, Ms. Michalle Capps, Ms. Rhonda Thompson, Mr. David Thompson, Dr. Jean Pierre Kamuabo, and Dr. James Wills.
James Sprunt Community College
James Sprunt Community College
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