Northeast Texas Community College student Tonya Hammonds, of Pittsburg, recently received the Walter B Cooper Scholarship at the Phi Theta Kappa Texas Leadership Conference. The conference, held on the campus of Grayson College, concluded by announcing just five winners from across the entire state of Texas. The Walter B Cooper Scholarship recognizes outstanding students who are “well-rounded” in the four Hallmarks of Phi Theta Kappa: Scholarship, Leadership, Service and Fellowship.
A Social Work major, Hammonds serves as an Executive Officer for Alpha Mu Chi, NTCC’s chapter of Phi Theta Kappa and is deeply involved on the college campus and within her community. As president of the NTCC Social Work Club she helps oversee the Eagle Pantry and has played a critical role in the expansion of the pantry beyond food items into hygiene items as well.
She is an active leader in Psi Beta Psychology Honor Society and MATD (More Alike than Different). Within the community, she regularly volunteers at Camp County Habitat for Humanity and God’s Closet. She has also written several articles for NTCC’s award-winning student newspaper, the Eagle. She has presented workshops on the importance of volunteering for both Phi Theta Kappa and Student Government Association district meetings. She ultimately plans to obtain her Master’s degree in order to become a Clinical Licensed Social Worker and set-up practice in this area, recognizing the lack of mental health resources in rural areas.
“Tonya set a truly inspirational example of someone actively seeking to help others and make the world a better place, especially in the fight against suicide. Her life story has included moments of loss and hardship, so she knows the importance of helping others. The PTK chapter, and all the other groups she works with, benefit from her personal drive and desire to help. I’m very pleased to see the Texas Region of Phi Theta Kappa also recognize her with this well-deserved honor,” said Dr. Melissa Fulgham, lead advisor for the Alpha Mu Chi chapter.
Hammonds’ application was the highest-scoring application in the state for the Walter B Cooper, earning her the top prize of $750. She is the sixth winner of the scholarship from NTCC in as many years. Jazmin Garcia won in 2018, Alicia Cantrell in 2017, Tanika Santos-MacSwain in 2016, Mary Smith in 2015, and Kayleah Cumpian in 2014.
