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On Wednesday, May 3, 2023, the Phi Delta Chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society at Mount Wachusett Community College welcomed 26 new members to its ranks.
Founded in 1918, Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) recognizes the academic achievement of community college students and provides members with the opportunity for personal, academic, and professional growth through leadership and service.
Throughout the school year, PTK members participate in activities and fundraisers, including the Winterfest Raffle and Pizza Party Raffle which enable them to donate funds to the Student Emergency Loan Fund. This year, PTK was able to bring the annual Character Breakfast back to the community, raising funds for the Boys and Girls Club of Fitchburg, Leominster and Gardner.
“I want to congratulate each one of you on your success, today is a recognition for the effort you have put in to be here,” commented MWCC President James Vander Hooven as he congratulated inductees. “I want to thank the current PTK members for all the work they have done this year and thank today’s inductees in advance for the community service and the work you will be doing together in the future.”
“The fact that you invited me to speak to you today makes me hopeful that this is a tipping point for mental health. Is this the time when students are going to say that their mental health is as important as their physical health? Is this the generation that is going to stop the stigmatization and discrimination of those with mental illness? I think it is and am thankful for you all,” noted guest speaker Melissa Manzi, retiring Mental Health Counselor for MWCC. “I congratulate you on your achievements and encourage you to prioritize your mental health and well-being. PTK has given you the tools to excel academically and be a leader in your community, now it is up to you to take care of yourself and be the best version of yourself.”
Advisor Fagan Forhan, along with Chapter President Candice Cooley-Johnson, Vice-President Christine Boadu, Secretary Wren Stoddard and Treasurer, Kathleen Chyrack welcomed the 2023 Phi Theta Kappa, Phi Delta Chapter inductees. They are:
Paulina Andrade-Cazaux, Leominster
Jacob Bump, Rindge, NH
Kevin Collette, Clinton
Gracelyn Currie, Templeton
Natalia Dasilva, Leominster
Benjamin Ford, Athol
Emmett Frank, Lunenburg
Christopher Johnson, Leominster
Ava Leblanc, Athol
Sabrina Lewis, Ayer
Rachel Lucia, Gilbertville
Elijah Maitai, Nashua, NH
Brett Mann, Leominster
Danielle Michaud, Pepperell
Jeffrey Parker, Athol
Matthew Pierce, Clinton
Nicole Ramos, Fitchburg
Leanh Settergren, Fitchburg
David Simpson, Orange
Casey Smith, Holyoke
Wren Stoddard, Rutland
Sara Surette, Ayer
Sandra Testa, Lunenburg
Jennifer Trently, Spencer
Juliana Wentworth, Fitchburg
Eliora Witkowski-Despres, Gardner
Photo caption: Left to right, Back: Christopher Johnson, Nicole Ramos, Kathleen Chyrack, Eliora Witkowski-Despres, Rachel Lucia, Jennifer Trently. Front: Wren Stoddard, Candice Cooley-Johnson, Christine Boadu.
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