Each year Phi Theta Kappa (PTK)- an international honor society for students attending two-year colleges- hosts a convention called PTK Catalyst. Rio Salado's PTK chapter, Alpha Theta Omicron, was recognized during this year’s Catalyst. This multi-day convention brings together PTK chapters to network, celebrate their accomplishments, participate in sessions that can help them grow both personally and professionally, and learn from one another. Awards are also given out during Catalyst to chapters and individual members who’ve demonstrated a commitment to PTK’s four hallmarks of Leadership, Service, Scholarship, and Fellowship. Alpha Theta Omicron received several awards this year in recognition of the chapter’s dedication to advancing those four hallmarks.
Established in 1983, the Alpha Theta Omicron chapter has a long and distinguished history of community service and leadership cultivation among its many members. The chapter has received several awards at past Catalyst conferences— last year Rio Salado President Dr. Kate Smith received PTK’s Shirley B. Gordon Award of Distinction while Rio students Saffron Wells and Zoe Bell earned (respectively) the Distinguished Chapter Officer Award and Distinguished Member Award, both of which are awards presented to fewer than 30 students.
This year’s Catalyst conference proved to be another year of high honors for Rio’s PTK chapter. Seven chapter officers—Saffron Wells, Voiden Johnson, Angelo Lopez, Kelly Sukkha, Sarah Nichols, Marielena Aguirre Foster, and Elsir Ahmed— traveled with Rio’s Faculty Advisor, Dr. Miya Henley, and PTK Advisor Rikki Karren to Kansas City, Missouri, for the conference.
Rikki Karren and Kate Packer were honored as Paragon Advisors, a prestigious national recognition for their outstanding mentorship and commitment to student success. In addition to this national recognition, Alpha Theta Omicron’s commitment to excellence was further recognized through several regional awards. The chapter received awards for Distinguished Chapter Advisor Team, Distinguished Chapter Officer Team, and Distinguished Honors in Action Theme (Theme 5-Representation Through Stories).
A significant milestone for the Rio chapter’s prominence in the region came when Kelly Sukkha was named PTK President of AZ Regional. Goldie Johnson-Pompey was named Vice President.
For Alpha Theta Omicron, this year’s Catalyst marked another year of growth, well-earned accolades, and spirited connections with fellow PTK chapters around the nation. When asked about her experiences with PTK, Marielena Aguirre Foster, the PTK Chapter President, had this to say:
"PTK has become a pillar of leadership, dedication, and hope in my life. When I first joined three years ago, I never imagined the impact it would have on me. Since then, I have built meaningful relationships, gained unique skills, and discovered new passions. I am so grateful for every person who has guided and encouraged me on this journey. As I step into my first year as Chapter President, I do so with pride and purpose, fueled by the endless support of my fellow leaders and students. Thank you, PTK, for truly changing my life."
Article by Austin Brietta
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