By Hailey Carr
The Phi Theta Kappa-Zeta Alpha Chapter at Casper College encourages students to pursue membership and participate in events like Flock and Talk and its Fall Social.
Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) is a national honor society for junior colleges, focused on four key hallmarks: Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Fellowship. The Zeta Alpha Chapter at Casper College is led by advisors Jared Bowden and Chontelle Gray. The current Zeta Alpha chapter officers are Klacie Groene, president, Miranda Dickinson, vice president of service, Roman Gaddis, vice president of fellowship, Charisma Gallagher, vice president of scholarship, and Shani Osoria-Alcala, public relations officer.
To become a PTK member, students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 and be enrolled in at least six credits during the semester they are initiated. The chapter holds an initiation ceremony each spring to welcome new members. Advisor Chontelle Gray, who is also a theatre instructor, encourages eligible students to join, “PTK really sets students up for success, with many opportunities available through it.” Gray said.
Once initiated, members meet monthly to plan events and activities for the year, while the officer team meets weekly to organize these plans. Zeta Alpha members contribute to campus life by volunteering, hosting campus clean-ups, and organizing events like “Flock and Talk.” Flock and Talk is a forum where students discuss important topics, and the gathered feedback is presented to the college administration for potential improvements. The chapter also hosts social events like the annual Fall Social, which includes carnival games and “Minute to Win It” challenges and is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 2.
PTK President Klacie Groene, is a sophomore from Torrington, Wyoming, studying Animal Science and Ag Business at Casper College. Groene plays an active role in leading meetings and planning chapter events. Groene believes that “Being in Phi Theta Kappa is a great way to get involved in the school and build leadership skills.”
Some membership benefits of PTK include helping students stand out in scholarship applications, college admissions, and job opportunities. PTK also provides a program that assists members in exploring future colleges and careers, offering tailored recommendations based on individual goals. Additionally, the organization provides scholarship opportunities. For Casper College students, PTK gives them a chance to excel academically, develop leadership skills and make meaningful contributions to their school. Through its values of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Fellowship, PTK helps members build a strong foundation for future success in both education and careers. With a supportive team of advisors and committed student leaders, the Zeta Alpha chapter offers numerous opportunities for personal growth, involvement, and access to valuable resources. For students seeking to enhance their college experience, PTK is a path toward achieving academic and professional goals