The Gamma Omicron Chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society at Kilgore College inducted 186 new members during a ceremony held Nov. 12 on the Kilgore campus. This marks the largest induction in the chapter’s history.
The keynote speaker was Brandy Flanagan, mayor of Gladewater, and a KC alum.
The ceremony also featured the presentation of inaugural Distinguished Service Awards, recognizing three individuals for their exceptional contributions to PTK’s success. Honorees included Laney Urban, KC’s student activities coordinator; Justin Baird, director of the Baptist Student Ministries at KC; and Jason Berglund, manager of Dodson Auditorium.
“Laney has devoted herself to making a difference on campus,” said Lori Solley, KC PTK co-sponsor. “Her enthusiastic participation during PTK Awareness Week and the annual trunk-or-treat event exemplifies her unwavering support.”
Solley also highlighted Baird’s role in hosting PTK graduation receptions at the Baptist Student Ministries facility. “His generosity and kindness have created a welcoming environment for students and their families to celebrate their achievements,” she said.
Berglund was honored for his dedication to the chapter’s haunted house event. “His attention to detail and tireless efforts helped make the event truly memorable,” Solley said.
During the ceremony, co-sponsor Curtis Ivory surprised Solley with an Award of Appreciation, commending her transformative leadership. Under her guidance, the chapter established a stronger social media presence, increased engagement with college recruiters and expanded the PTK officer team.
The 2024 PTK officer team includes:
- Annabelle Phillips, President
- Cortney Gorham, Vice President of Leadership
- Kenia Velazquez, Vice President of Service
- Johnny Munoz, Vice President of Fellowship
- Jayci Pyle, Vice President of Scholarship
- Ruddy Morales, Vice President of Records
- Lexi Allums, Publicity Chair
- Alex Nabor, Dual Credit Officer
PTK, the international honor society for two-year colleges, has more than two million members across 1,200 chapters worldwide. The organization promotes leadership, scholarship, service, and fellowship, inducting over 85,000 students annually.
Membership is open to students who have completed 12 semester hours and maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale. For more information about PTK at Kilgore College, visit www.kilgore.edu/ptk.
Members inducted at the ceremony:
- Jayla Beecham (Longview)
- Conner Brown (Longview)
- Kasey Caballero (Longview)
- Mirander Chick (Longview)
- Delaney Dickey (Longview)
- LaJonathan Franklin (Longview)
- Bailey Gabriel (Longview)
- Kate Gross (Longview)
- Michael Hall (Tyler)
- Shiva Heidari (Longview)
- Emmie Hester (Gilmer)
- Itzel Juarez (Longview)
- Morgan Langley (Kilgore)
- Zoey Leach (Gilmer)
- Ruby May (Kilgore)
- Ruddy Morales (Longview)
- Alex Nabor (Kilgore)
- Urja Patel (Longview)
- Jennifer Peninger (Longview)
- Makenzie Pickard (White Oak)
- Jayci Pyle (Kilgore)
- Anabel Ramirez Ramos (Longview)
- Maria Smiddy (Hallsville)
- Ananda Taylor (Longview)
- Joshua Teeples (Longview)
- Chelsea Toles (Longview)
- Lucas Tyson (Kilgore)
- Kenia Velazquez (Gilmer)
- LaShannon Watkins (Longview)
- Kaleb Wilson (Gilmer)
- Elizabeth Wingert (Hallsville)