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Honors society takes seven awards at international meet
The Advocate
Rho Theta was honored as first runner up for Most Distinguished Chapter at the annual Phi Theta Kappa International Convention held in Seattle April 7-10.
Rho Theta walked away with seven awards. The awards were: Distinguished Chapter Officer Team, Distinguished Chapter Adviser, Distinguished College Project, Distinguished Honors in Action Project, Distinguished Honors in Action Issue, Distinguished Chapter, and Most Distinguished Chapter Finalist.
"Rho Theta has never won anything at the International level, so to come home with seven awards was amazing," said Onjalai Flake, vice president of scholarship and Division IV vice president.
Other team members include Jackie Vitron, Brian Arrell, Max Seiler, Katie O'Donnell, Rae Nichelle-Peres, Toyoko Akiyama-Becker and Vanessa Bishop.
More than 3,500 faculty advisers and students attended the conference, representing more than 500 chapters.
Asked of her expectations at the convention, adviser Beth Sammons said, "The officers should expect to come home inspired, exhilarated and exhausted."
Flake said she was looking to gain knowledge, bond with her fellow officers, have fun and "if we just so happened to win an award or two, that would be awesome."
At this year's convention, Hilary Pennington of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation spoke about college completion. Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson gave a presentation titled "Modern Skepticism in the Internet Age."
It "was both hilarious and thought-provoking," said Sammons.
General sessions were held in a meeting hall at the Washington State Convention Center in Seattle. Sammons said, "The lighting, stage settings, four huge screens, music and cheering crowds do have a bit of a rock concert feel."
The team also attended educational forums where they learned about applying to colleges, increasing membership, finding scholarships, understanding officer's roles and managing finances.
Sammons said her role as adviser is rewarding. "There's nothing quite like being at the formal induction ceremony in May and hearing a student say, "I've never been an honor student before and it means so much to me to be invited to join Phi Theta Kappa."
Flake said, "I feel this was a timely morale boost. There is nothing that motivates any team better than recognition."
Sammons said she hopes "the excitement of the convention will help Rho Theta bring attention to the importance of college completion.
Phi Theta Kappa is a leader in the national Community College Completion initiative, and we want to help develop a culture of completion at Mt. Hood Community College."
Flake said, "Three years ago, my father paid the $60 membership fee and I haven't had any regrets yet."
Next year's convention will be held in Nashville.
Membership of Rho Theta is granted by invitation to those who meet requirements. A 3.5 GPA is needed.
Orientation sessions will be held April 28 from noon to 12:50 p.m. in AC 1553 and from 4 to 5 p.m. in AC 1251.
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