Representatives from Ozarks Technical Community College’s chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for two-year colleges, recently returned from the organization’s annual Missouri Regional Convention with several awards in hand. The students and advisors of the college’s chapter were honored with 17 awards and three regional officer positions during the event, held in Branson, Mo.
The honors received included Distinguished Chapter (for placing as one of the top three chapters in Missouri) and Most Distinguished Chapter (for placing as the state’s top-ranking chapter). Representatives also accepted the Distinguished Honors in Action Theme award as well as the Distinguished Honors in Action Project award for their work with Leading with Pride: an etiquette and leadership workshop for LGBT+ youth at the Gay and Lesbian Center of the Ozarks. The chapter also received the Distinguished College Project award.
OTC Chancellor Hal Higdon received the Hall of Honor For Distinguished College Presidents award for his work on the Phi Theta Kappa advisory board. OTC students Anna Strait-Schmitz and Morgan McCart each received the Distinguished Chapter Officer award. Adam Cassidy accepted the Hall of Honor Distinguished Individual award.
Students Nora Browne, Morgan McCart, Anna Strait-Schmitz and Claudia Whitmire received the Distinguished Chapter Officer Team award, and OTC instructor Donna Graham accepted the Glaux Faculty Appreciation award.
Phi Theta Kappa advisors Jo and Steve Fritts accepted the Distinguished Chapter Advisor Team award, and Jo Fritts also accepted the Continued Excellence in Advising award. OTC alumnae Fran Ritchey and Jean Stoops each received the Alumni Award of Appreciation, and Ritchey also accepted the Alumni Leadership award.
In addition to the awards received at the conference, the following students were elected to regional offices: Adam Cassidy, Missouri Regional President; Hannah Redden, Missouri Regional Vice President of the Kappa District; and Anna Strait-Schmitz, Missouri Regional Vice President of Communications.
Representatives from the chapter will soon travel to the International Convention in Nashville, Tenn., where they are now in the running for each of these awards at the international level.
Phi Theta Kappa honors students who have a grade point average of 3.5 or higher, and places its emphasis on leadership, service, scholarship and fellowship. OTC’s chapter of Phi Theta Kappa inducts new members twice each year, with the next ceremony planned for Thursday, March 30 at the Gillioz Theatre in downtown Springfield. For more information about OTC’s Phi Theta Kappa chapter, contact chapter advisors, Jo and Steve Fritts, at ptk@otc.edu.