Eleven members of Northeast Texas Community College's Phi Theta Kappa chapter recently attended Phi Theta Kappa’s International Convention, Catalyst 2022, which was held in Denver during April 7-9. Keynote speakers featured this year included, Dr. Moogega Cooper, engineer of the famed Mars Rover 'Perseverance' for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and Daymond John, featured on Shark Tank and now Presidential Ambassador for Global Entrepreneurship. Aside from the speakers and fellowship, chapters also look forward to educational forums, booth explorations for career/college transfers, and the Hallmark Awards, which recognize chapters, advisors, college leaders, and members throughout Phi Theta Kappa’s 1,285 chapters.
The chapter was named a Top 100 chapter and received a Distinguished Honors in Action Award for its project “Finally Free: Folklore Becomes Legacy”. Distinction awards were reserved only for the 50 top-ranking chapter project submissions. The chapter received a Distinguished Chapter Officer Team Award and fourteen officers, including Cade Bennett, Jordan Chapin, Brooke Clifton, Victor Diaz, Maiko Estrada, Skylar Fondren, Fatima Fuentes, Paisley McGee, Jessie Parchman, Israel Perez, Brian Ramirez, Maxime Risner, John Rodriguez, and Davin Whatley received a medal and plaque. Officers present walked and were celebrated on the international stage.
Chapter member Jordan Chapin delivered her first speech as incoming Texas Regional President and Cade Bennett was celebrated as an outgoing regional officer.
"I've always known I was a part of something great with Phi Theta Kappa, but getting to see the extent of the organization and the global impact it has was truly something special. Catalyst 22 is an event I'll always remember," said Cade Bennett.
"When I walked into that first general session my jaw dropped! There were so many chapters and states I couldn't believe it. The experience was once in a lifetime and I wouldn't trade it for the world." said Jordan Chapin.
Jessie Parchman campaigned for international officer and delivered a speech to all the convention attendants. Although she was not victorious, the chapter is extremely proud of her efforts.
"Staying true to my convictions is more important than a campaign. I am grateful for PTK giving me this opportunity to educate people from all over the United States on modern-day slavery and trafficking. My campaign was called depressing, but it is more painful to face the fact that we live in a society where it is more important to have cheap products than to stop slavery," wrote Jessie Parchman.
Founded over 100 years ago, Phi Theta Kappa is the oldest, largest, and most prestigious honor society for two-year colleges. PTK has four Hallmarks: Leadership (give opportunities for leadership experience and character development); Scholarship (recognize those who excel academically and strive to reach a higher level of learning); Fellowship (gather a community of like-minded individuals who share ideas and ideas); and Service (emphasize service to others, both on college campuses and in their communities).
For more information on Phi Theta Kappa check out www.ptk.org or contact lead advisor Dr. Matthew Lampert at mlampert@ntcc.edu. Alpha Mu Chi is NTCC’s chapter of Phi Theta Kappa and more information about chapter activities can be found at https://www.facebook.com/alphamuchi.
