The feeling of outreach and community in Phi Theta Kappa, or PTK, is drawing more interest from students. PTK is the largest honor society in American higher education.
PTK’s website states that the society traces its beginnings to “a society that originated with six charter members under the name of Kappa Phi Omicron at Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri, in 1910. The name Phi Theta Kappa was chosen, and the Society was incorporated in Missouri as a national organization.”
PTK Faculty Adviser Andrew Morse said, “It offers a variety of scholarships and awards for its members. PTK membership is noted on the NECC transcripts. Many four-year schools in Massachusetts offer PTK members a transfer scholarship when they apply. We also sponsor scholarship forums for all NECC students, so that they can learn how to avoid student loans.”
This semester, PTK has been raising money for the Salem Animal Rescue League. On Monday, Dec. 14, PTK had a bake sale to benefit the organization. A student donated a few dollars and instantly asked about becoming apart of the honors society because of the fundraiser.
“We don’t sit around and talk about how smart we are because we are honors students, we talk about organizations and local community related topics that we can help with,” said Samson Racioppi, PTK Member. Racioppi is also involved in Student Senate, Cultural Affairs, and other clubs on campus.
According to the society’s website, Phi Theta Kappa’s mission is two-fold. “Recognize and encourage the academic achievement of two-year college students and, and to provide opportunities for individual growth and development through participation in honors, leadership, service and fellowship programming.”
Racioppi said, “I enjoy working with people, and being in PTK has given me an opportunity to interact with students that I wouldn’t normally be able to.”
PTK gives students a chance to volunteer, but they also have a Facebook Page, where PTK members can join a cohort and gain more knowledge about leadership skills and communication in everyday life. PTKs next Leadership Development Study Group on Facebook begins Jan. 28.
Racioppi said, “PTK also helps out with scholarships and looks great on your transcript. PTK and other clubs like it put emphasis on volunteering and service. I have never officially volunteered prior to this semester, and now I’m going out of my way to volunteer.”
