Taundria Newson-Shears one of several DeSoto Center students inducted into Phi Theta Kappa

2016 Apr 19

Taundria Newson-Shears of Horn Lake was among several students inducted into the Alpha Gamma Chi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) in a ceremony held on the Southaven campus on April 6.

DeSoto Center Dean Jeremy Isome gave the welcoming remarks for the event. After an introduction by Dr. Rick Gregory, executive director of The University of Mississippi-DeSoto, Yasmin Ali, a Northwest alumna studying elementary education at Ole Miss DeSoto spoke to the students. Ali was recently named a Taylor Medalist at Ole Miss. Daniel Christian, coordinator of Admissions for Ole Miss-DeSoto, also spoke to the students.

Each student came forward to sign the PTK pledge and participated in a candle ceremony in which students lit each other's candles, signifying the passing of the "flame of knowledge."

PTK advisers for DeSoto Center are Patsy Gardner and Fisher Fleming, who both spoke at the event. "As one of the PTK advisers and organizers of this year's induction ceremony, I was so pleased that over 75 of our 190 new members to the Alpha Gamma Chi Chapter of PTK were inducted today with more than 250 friends and family looking on. This was our largest turnout in several years, and I look forward to working with all of these outstanding students as they continue to strive for excellence in academics, leadership and community service," said Gardner.

PTK is an international scholastic and leadership honor society for two-year colleges. Students who are working toward an associate degree are eligible for membership. Northwest requires a 3.5 grade point average for initiation and membership in PTK. Members are eligible for scholarships at universities throughout the nation.

For more information on PTK membership at DeSoto Center, contact Gardner at 662.280.6193 or email pgardner@northwestms.edu.

Pictured: Andrea Green, a freshman studying Business and Marketing Management Technology at Northwest Mississippi Community College's DeSoto Center, signs the pledge at the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) induction ceremony April 6. PTK is an international scholastic and leadership honor society for two-year colleges. Students must maintain a 3.5 grade point average for membership. (Photo by Julie Bauer)