PTK Garners Awards at Catalyst and Honors Inductees
SFSC’s Tau Epsilon Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) had a busy spring 2024 – members, along with their advisors, Carylanne Joubert and Renee LaDue, attended the 2024 PTK Catalyst convention in Orlando, April 4 – 6, and the Chapter inducted 29 students into the honor society in a formal ceremony on Thursday, April 25.
The PTK Catalyst is the international annual conference for PTK that offers members learning sessions, networking among PTK students, and an awards ceremony. This year, it featured guest speakers, Misty Copeland, American Ballet principal dancer and author, and Evy Poumpouras, a former Secret Service agent and journalist.
SFSC’s Tau Epsilon chapter garnered special recognition during this year’s conference for its accomplishments:
- Five-Star Chapter for activities that accomplished five themed categories – Reach, Engage, Network, Lead, and Discover
- SarahGrace O’Leary was named to the All-Florida Academic Team
- Paxton Brooks earned the Regional Art Award for a drawing of her father titled, “Semper Fortis,” and Chapter advisor Renee LaDue accepted the award on Brooks’ behalf
- Joan Briand, former Tau Epsilon chapter advisor and SFSC professor of Oral Communications, was posthumously honored with the Paragon Award for New Advisors for her dedication and hard work for SFSC’s chapter; Renee LaDue and PTK alumna Carol Mitchell accepted the award on Briand’s behalf
During the PTK induction ceremony on April 25, family members and fellow students looked on as the inductees recited an oath of membership, joining the honor society that recognizes distinguished academic achievement by students enrolled in two-year academic programs.
The inductees were: Katy Armendariz, Mark Armendariz, Crystal Ashworth, Ericka Berthiaume, Brent Ferns Jr., Suzi Gomez, Ricardo Gomez-Paz, Ksenia Greene, Gloria Hamilton, Gayla Lawrence, Rebeca Lopez Herrera, Brisa Luevano, Chenelle McGregor, Cristal Miranda, Summer Moore, Joaquin Morris, Andrea Oliveros-Barajas, Brianna Palenzuela, Samangkita Paudel, Mary Josephine Miranda Reyes, Christina Robinson, Knajaiana Smith, Heather St. John, Angel Strength, Naseana Sullivan, Bailey Tinsley, Mia Vasquez, Aiani Walker, and Jarrod Wheeler.
As the ceremony drew to a close, the inductees each signed the honor society’s membership book, recording their status as scholars of distinction at SFSC. The auditorium lights dimmed and each scholar lit a candle signifying their fellowship in the society and received a white rose.
The current PTK officers are Joaquin Morris, president; Brisa Luevano, vice president; Ericka Berthiaume, secretary/treasurer; Brianna Palenzuela, vice president of communication; Colten Denby, vice president of leadership; and Ksenia Greene, vice president of fellowship.
For more information about SFSC’s PTK Chapter, contact Renee LaDue at ext. 7034.
