CITRUS COLLEGE LEADERS, STUDENTS HONORED AT VIRTUAL PTK CONVENTIONS
This has been a banner year for Beta Nu Eta, the Citrus College chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) international honor society.
Last month, students and advisors from the college attended Catalyst, the annual convention where PTK students and faculty from around the globe gather for several days of information, inspiration and celebration. Citrus College received several special recognitions during the virtual convention's award ceremony.
Beta Nu Eta was recognized as one of the top 100 PTK chapters in the United States, it was named a Distinguished Chapter due to its college project and it was designated a Five Star Chapter, which is the highest level a chapter can attain.
In addition to the group recognitions, two Citrus College individuals were presented with awards during the conference. First, pre-allied health major Brooke Arelano was one of only 50 community college students in the United States to be named a 2021 Coca-Cola Academic Team Gold Scholar by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation.
"Citrus College students have received several high-profile Phi Theta Kappa scholarships in the past. However, I believe this is the first time that a Citrus College student has been recognized as a Gold Scholar," said Brian Waddington, honors transfer coordinator and co-advisor for Beta Nu Eta.
Beta Nu Eta's success at the convention came on the heels of several regional victories. Three weeks prior to Catalyst, Beta Nu Eta received numerous honors during a conference for PTK chapters from California and Nevada. The group received first place for chapter leadership, first place for their Honors in Action project, second place for their college project and second place for their chapter website.
In addition, Citrus College student Jessie San was elected to the regional office of vice president of technology.
Beta Nu Eta's co-advisors also received individual recognitions: Brian Waddington received the Distinguished Advisor Award and Areej Qasqas, adjunct faculty member, received a Paragon Award for Distinguished New Advisor.
"I have always been impressed by the students of Beta Nu Eta and was not surprised to learn of their continued success. The hard work they invest in their academic and service pursuits is commendable," the college superintendent/president said. "I am grateful to Mr. Waddington and Ms. Qasqas for leading these outstanding scholars, and I congratulate them on the much-deserved recognitions they received."
This article appeared in its entirety in the May 2021 edition of the Citrus View.