INA, Ill. (June 3, 2024) — The international honor society Phi Theta Kappa welcomed 54 new members into its Rho Xi Chapter May 3 at Rend Lake College. New members ceremoniously signed their names into the PTK book and the 2024 PTK Teacher of the Year was revealed.
Jena Jensik, Rho Xi Chapter Advisor, welcomed the inductees and audience to the ceremony with a few brief words. Henry "Buster" Leeck, Vice President of Academic & Student Services, also provided a welcome and an opening address.
BACK ROW, L to R: Chase Heinemeyer, Morgan Moschino, Bree Vollman, Kennedy Stults, Paige McKittrick, Cheyenne Hess and Juanita Crews
FIRST ROW, L to R: Tanner McPherson, Jordan Stanley, Iris Ocasio, Katelyn Black, Portia Dunn, Madison Shepard, Amber Pape and Linda Fairleigh
"We had students that were trying to juggle work, clinicals and athletics events... it's hard for a student to just be a student anymore," says Jensik. "It is my pleasure to welcome you [PTK inductees] to Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Today's induction is a testament to your hard work, perseverance and the support of those who have guided you along the way.
"As you embark on this journey, as inducted members of Phi Theta Kappa, I urge you to embrace opportunities that lie ahead. Use your talents and skills to make a difference in the lives of others, both on campus and the broader community."
The 2024 PTK Teacher of the Year, Karla Gunter, Associate Professor of Biology, started teaching at RLC in August 2018. She's been making a lasting impression with students ever since. She earned her master's degree from University of Nebraska and her bachelor's degree from Murray State University.
"I want to say congratulations. This is not a small feat to be able to sign this book and to be part of this. It is a wonderful accomplishment," says Gunter at the induction ceremony. "You have so much going on in your lives to be able to maintain this GPA and keep up with all of this stuff. I am super proud of you guys.
"Parents, good work. There are some amazing students up here, but these are some wonderful people as well. And I enjoy being around them; they make me smile and laugh, and we enjoy our time together in lab and class.
"Congratulations! Go out and conquer the world, but don't forget to celebrate. All these things may seem like little accomplishments, but they are not. The more of these accomplishments that you celebrate, the more you are motivated to keep going, and the more fun you will have on along the way."
2024 Inductees
Shiann Austin, Dana Barnum, Katelyn Black, Cory Bloodworth, Autumn Braddy, Bo Brockett, Emily Brown, Emeline Caronongan, Hayli Charron, Jadyn Cole, Juanita Crews, Madeline Douglass, Sydney Downen, Julia Dunlap, Portia Dunn, Madison Durham, Lynda Fairleigh, Quinn Gajewski, Gabe Gunter, Ethan Hamrick, Morgan Heil, Chase Heinemeyer, Cheyenne Hess, Brock Holloway, Jovi Horton, Collier Hunt-Bernaix, Kyle Kellerman, Kamree Koester, Christine Lewis, Colin McClure, Alexia McGuire, Paige McKittrick, Tanner McPherson, Giovanna Meirelles, Brockton Miller, Morgan Moschino, Iris Ocasio, Amber Pape, Livia Queen, Mallory Settles, Madison Shepard, Jordan Stanley, Kennedy Stults, Julie Tate, Connor Terry, Brady Thrane, Sophie Trader, Carter Tripp, Bree Vollman, Patricia Weichinger, Emily Wheeler, Kadinz Wilson, Tiffany Wright and Alexis Zemla
Phi Theta Kappa Mission
“The mission of Phi Theta Kappa is to recognize academic achievement of college students and to provide
opportunities for them to grow as scholars and leaders.”
Phi Theta Kappa Vision
"Phi Theta Kappa’s vision is to make the benefits of membership accessible to all deserving college students"