Phi Theta Kappa

PTK is an International Community College Honor Society whose members are chosen on the basis of scholastic achievement, leadership abilities, contributions to the college, and faculty recommendations.
 
To receive an invitation for membership into Phi Theta Kappa:
·         Students must complete fifteen hours of classes with a
          minimum grade-point average of 3.5
·         Must be in a degree-seeking program
 
PTK Phi Zeta Chapter members participate in:
·         Chapter Meetings
·         Fundraisers
·         National and Regional Conferences
·         American Red Cross Blood Drives
·         American Cancer Society Relay for Life
·         Campus Highway Cleanup
·         Graduation ushering
·         Halloween Spooktacular
·         Academic Olympics
·         Service Projects
·         Much more!
 
For more information about PTK membership, please contact the Pratt Community College Sponsor.
Hannah Shaw                                        
(620) 450-2149                                 
hannahs@prattcc.edu                      
 
or join our Facebook group, Pratt CC Phi Zeta (PTK)
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Pratt Community College students receive state PTK scholarship
On Feb. 18, James Goerzen and Brian Rois traveled to Topeka to receive a scholarship through the Kansas All-State Academic Team, which is sponsored by Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society.

Goerzen, a sophomore at Pratt Community College from Gossel, is majoring in Automotive Technology.
Each year, two students from each Kansas community college receive the scholarship. In order to be nominated a student must cumulative a college-level GPA of 3.50 on a 4.0 scale and must have a community college record free of suspension, probation or other serious disciplinary action.
“I was very surprised when I found out I was nominated,” Goerzen said. “I hadn’t heard anything about it before being asked to write an essay for it.”
Goerzen was recommended by Misty Beck, speech communication/drama and theatre instructor at PCC.
“James is one of those people who is a silent leader,” Beck said. “He doesn’t say much, but when he speaks people listen. He leads by example and shows the qualities of a true servant leader.”  
After being recommended, Goerzen was asked to write an essay about his life experiences and then was called in for an interview before being chosen as one of two PCC students to receive the scholarship.
“His essay really stood out,” said Hannah Shaw, PTK sponsor. “It was pretty incredible.”
In Goerzen’s essay he spoke about how his dream has always been to work on cars and after spending a summer with his family serving at a homeless shelter and thrift store he wants to spend his life serving.
“I really enjoyed working with people and helping them,” Goerzen said. “I decided I wanted to do that more than auto.”
Next year Goerzen will be attending Bethel College and will be dual majoring in Bible and Religion and Social Work.
Brian Rios, a Pratt native and Skyline High School graduate explained he felt confident with his interview process.
“I just felt good about it. I came prepared with my resume in hand and I left thinking I had a really strong interview.” His essay consisted of a one page synopsis of his educational and life philosophies. It was an exciting day for Rios being his first time at the capital,
“I was so excited! I had never really been in Topeka before let alone the capital, it was really cool. I am so grateful for this experience.” Shaw states the ease and joy of working with such a hard working student.
“Brian is an amazing student and a great person. He is truly an inspiration to the Hispanic community as he will be the first in his family to attend a four year university next year. He has a drive that I haven’t seen in many students his age. He is a leader and role model for others.”
Rios aspires to continue his education at Kansas University and pursue a career in Athletic Training.
 

 
Goerzen named Coca-Cola New Century Scholar
 James Goerzen, sophomore at Pratt Community College, was the top scoring students in the state of Kansas and has been named a COCA-COLA NEW CENTURY SCHOLAR.  This program is sponsored by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation and the Coca-Cola Foundation and administered by Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Selection was based on the score earned in the All-USA Community College Academic Team competition, for which more than 1,600 applications were received this year.
 
As a Coca-Cola New Century Scholar, Goerzen will be presented with a $2,000 scholarship and plaque from the Coca-Cola Foundation and Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation.  His name will also be listed in the April 11 issue of USA Today featuring the Coca-Cola New Century Scholars, 50 Gold, 50 Silver and 50 Bronze Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team Scholars.  A New Century Scholars Reception and Program will be held during the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) Convention scheduled April 11, 2011 in New Orleans, Louisiana.  New Century Scholars will also be recognized at the beginning of the AACC Convention Gala, Monday evening at 7:15 p.m. Scholarship checks will be disbursed by the end of August. 
 

 
 
PCC’s Phi Theta Kappa Continues Success
On Saturday March 5, PCC’s Phi Theta Kappa chapter travelled to Topeka for the Kansas Regional Convention.  Five students represented the college: A.D. Blue, Tayler Frederiksen, Jonathan Henderson, John Lynch and Troy Smith.
 
“I couldn’t have asked for a better group of students, they were so enthusiastic and eager to learn” said Hannah Shaw, PTK sponsor.
 
Tayler Frederiksen ran for the regional officer position. Tayler is a brand new Phi Theta Kappa member that was inducted this spring. As a candidate for regional officer, she was required to make a poster and brochure to promote her campaign.  
 
“Tayler did not have to compete against another candidate but this did not stop her from creating a jaw-dropping speech,”  Shaw said.   Tayler was inducted as the Kansas Regional Vice President of the Western District of Phi Theta Kappa.
 
The chapter received three awards. The Five Star Development Plan as a Four Star Level for 2010. A.D. Blue wrote a hallmark on our community service work and received Honorable Mention.  Shaw also received the Horizon award as this year as a new advisor.