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Highland Students Honored at Phi Theta Kappa Luncheon March 7
published March 20, 2019Community College students from across Kansas gathered March 7 for the annual Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Luncheon in Topeka. Of the 61 students being honored, two are from the Highland campus chapter Alpha Zeta Gamma; Sophomores Tara Collins and Kendra Koch – and two from the College’s Regional and Online chapter Beta Nu Omega; Sophomores Hannah Kolterman and Shelby Spradling. Each scholar was selected by their own community college for the annual statewide academic team and were presented with a medallion, certificate, and scholarship awards from the Presidents’ and Trustees’ organizations at the luncheon.
Tara Collins, daughter of Rob and Theresa Collins of Osawatomie, Kansas is a sophomore at Highland Community College. Collins has received the All Kansas Academic nomination and has been on the President's Honor Roll since Fall 2017. Collins leads the chapter Alpha Zeta Gamma as President. Additionally, she is President of the HCC Art Club and works as a Residential Assistant. Tara will attend Washburn University in the Fall.
Kendra Koch, daughter of Myron and Tracy Koch of Centralia, Kansas is a sophomore at Highland Community College. Koch has been on the Dean’s Honor Roll since Fall 2017 and serves as Vice President of Service for the Alpha Zeta Gamma chapter. On campus, she is also Vice President of the HCC Art Club and works as a Residential Assistant. Koch has also received the award of acceptance in the Highland Community College Student Honors Art Exhibit and the Highland Community College GSA Talent Show, receiving second place. She plans to attend Fort Hays State University in the Fall.
Hannah Kolterman from Onega Kansas is the recipient of a regional Highland Community College Scholarship as well as the Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholarship. The sophomore is a member of the Beta Nu Omega branch of Phi Alpha Theta at Highland Community College and is on the President’s Honor Roll for a 4.0 GPA. In addition, Kolterman is active in Women’s Encounter Ministry mission and is a member of the New Hope Lutheran Church. She’ll continue her education at Kansas State University pursuing a degree in Elementary Education and a concentration in Biological Science.
Shelby Spradling, a sophomore, has maintained a 4.0 GPA while staying active on campus. Spradling, a native of Paxico, Kansas, participates in many student activities, work-study programs, and is a regular volunteer in her community. Spradling is a proud member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and previously held the office of Vice President of Beta Zeta Zeta at The University of New Mexico-Valencia Campus. She is currently President of the Phi Theta Kappa Beta Nu Omega chapter in Wamego. Spradling has been accepted to Kansas State University to pursue a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.
Those in attendance included the scholars and families, PTK chapter sponsors, community college administrators and trustees, university representatives, legislators, and members of the Kansas Board of Regents staff. The keynote speaker was Dr. Brian Black, of Black Executive Coaching and Public Speaking, LLC.
The Highland Community College PTK chapters are sponsored by faculty members Margy Heddens and Harry Moeller at Highland and Lisa Bellamy at the Wamego Center. Under their leadership, the chapters have thrived with growing memberships and multiple awards for service to campus and community.
PTK is the honor society for students attending community and two-year colleges. Membership is based on high grade point averages and other criteria, with members focusing on scholastic achievement and service to community and campus. These 61 student scholars are part of a statewide student body of more than 123,000 students enrolled at the 19 Kansas community colleges. Each scholar also is a nominee for the 2017 All-USA Academic Team, sponsored by the newspaper USA Today, Phi Theta Kappa, and the American Association of Community Colleges. First team members will receive a $2,500 stipend and will be featured along with second and third team members in USA Today. Names of the students will be placed on the Society's website, www.ptk.org.
