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WKCTC's Phi Theta Kappa Chapter Receives Regional Awards

Paducah, KY (07/01/2019) — The Iota Eta chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) honor society at West Kentucky Community and Technical College recently received numerous regional awards, including recognition by the PTK International Office as a Four Star Development chapter.

To achieve the recognition, an honor based on a five star chapter plan, participating PTK chapter members were required to engage in research and college service relating to the PTK Honors Topic, Transformations: Acknowledging, Assessing, and Achieving Change.

WKCTC chapter members focused on studying how sports can be used to help build school identity and sponsored a tailgate party for the home game season opener of the college's West Kentucky Stars basketball club, in addition to promoting the club among fellow students. Chapter members also engaged in a project aligned with the Community College Completion Corps to help new students commit to completing their college credential.

In addition to the Four Star Development Chapter award, the WKCTC chapter was also recognized by the Kentucky region with the following regional PTK awards.

  • Distinguished Theme, Honors in Action - Theme 3: Politics of Identity
  • Honors in Action Project, third runner Up
  • Distinguished Chapter, fourth runner up
  • Distinguished College Project, fourth runner up

Chapter Advisor, Dr. Kevin Gericke, said "the WKCTC PTK members have accomplished so much this past year, demonstrating an increased level of leadership, scholarship and service. We are excited to have been recognized at the regional level from among the 16 Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) chapters of PTK and look forward to continuing the momentum through the next year."

Gericke, who has served as the college's PTK advisor for the past 17 years, also received regional recognition with the Horizon Award, which is bestowed for above average service to the honor society.

"Serving as Phi Theta Kappa advisor has been one of my greatest joys while at WKCTC," said Gericke. "I have been able to watch these amazing students develop their leadership abilities and I am confident each of them will continue to make a positive contribution in their communities."

The awards not only honor the diligent efforts of the college's PTK chapter members and their advisor, but the recognition also represents the committed support of WKCTC President Anton Reece and the Paducah Junior College Foundation, the charitable organization of the college.

"Phi Theta Kappa at WKCTC has a long and deep tradition of providing student leadership excellence and we are honored to receive the national recognition as a four star chapter," said Reece. "I would also like to recognize PTK Advisor Kevin Gericke for his leadership and fostering student excellence."

Media Attachments

WKCTC PTK students following 2019 Honors Ceremony at college May 2. (left to right): Advisor Dr. Kevin Gericke, Tor Gar; Kyle Garner, Dylan Richards, Jonathan Bilak. Callie Hughes, Victoria Belcher, Stephanie Craig, Lisa Jarvis, Sarah Spoonhour, Carrie Engard, Brooke Posey Not pictured: Amber Alliston, Sierra English, Morgan Kaiser, Greg Kildow, Courtney Lewis, Lisa Marshall, Rachel McCrea, Amelia Ray, Rana Turkmani

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