Students at HCC inducted into honor society

March 21, 2005|by WANDA T. WILLIAMS

HAGERSTOWN - Sixty Hagerstown Community College students were inducted Sunday into the college's Phi Theta Kappa honor society chapter.

"You wouldn't be here today if you weren't already highly motivated," said Cheyanne Lewis, an HCC alumna and former chapter president.

Lewis, who graduated from HCC in 1999, earned her bachelor's degree from Shepherd College and a master's of science from Shippensburg University, she said.

Lewis was especially proud of her daughter, 19-year-old Sarah F. Palmer, who was among Sunday's inductees.

"It's very emotional because it hasn't been that long for me. It's very rewarding," Lewis said.

Lewis gave a PowerPoint presentation featuring several HCC faculty and staff who encouraged her as a student. Lewis works at HCC's testing center and as an adjunct professor.

"She set the stage for me. She was a role model and I want to excel and do well and be recognized like she is," Palmer said.

Phi Theta Kappa, an international organization for students attending two-year colleges, was founded in 1918 and inducted members must have a grade-point average of 3.5 or higher, said Anthony "Tony" Campello, the local chapter president.

Members also are judged on their community leadership, service and fellowship, HCC President Guy Altieri said. HCC's chapter holds monthly fund-raising events with a variety of organizations throughout the community. This semester, HCC's chapter has raised nearly $1,000 for tsunami disaster victims, Campello said.

New member Nichole Miller of Waynesboro, Pa., has classes on HCC's campus twice a week. She said Sunday's ceremony will motivate her to forge ahead, balancing her classes with a hectic work schedule as a part-time flight attendant.

"The most valuable thing a college education should give you is wisdom," Altieri told the 35 students who attended Sunday's induction ceremony at Kepler Theater.

Phi Theta Kappa induction ceremonies are held in the fall and spring, Altieri said.

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