Greek expectations

Honor societies focus on service and academic achievements

Jeff Sandstoe / Roundup

There are two honor societies on campus that can help students earn scholarships and help transfer to four-year universities.

An honor society is an organization that offers prestige as well as other perks to its student members.

One of these groups is Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), a group that “recognizes and encourages the academic achievement of two-year college students,” according to the PTK Web site.

Students who join PTK will receive a gold diploma seal, a gold honors stole and tassel for graduation, access to the society’s directory of scholarships, as well as transcript recognition “which looks great for transferring,” said Ryan Peretz, the president of the Pierce chapter.

PTK faculty adviser Kathy Oborn says the main attraction to their group is the scholarships.

“Becoming a member enables you to gain access to (PTK’s) entire directory of scholarships, forever.”

PTK offers $33 million in scholarships yearly to their members, according to Oborn. Peretz and member Myrna Mora were among those who won scholarships, placing in the All-California Academic Team last year, and were awarded an undisclosed amount.

Some upcoming events that PTK has planned are “Earth Days” throughout October and November in which members will pick up trash around the campus.

PTK’s main charity, however, will be part of the “Operation Gratitude” campaign, in which there will be a candy drive from Oct. 26 to Nov. 17. Bins will be placed around the campus so that students, staff and fac- ulty can donate candy that will be shipped to troops serving our country overseas.

The second honor society is Alpha Gamma Sigma (AGS), a group “with the aim of recognizing and encouraging high scholastic achievement, leadership, and service among community college students,” according to the group’s Web site.

Benefits of membership are a golden seal on your transcripts, scholarships and knowledge about transferring to four-year colleges.

“AGS provides a nice balance for school work and socializing,” said AGS faculty adviser Carol Kozeracki.

One of their main scholarships is the “Service Hour Scholarship,” according to AGS president Nitaya Kamsingwong, which “is awarded to members who complete the highest number of service hours within the semester.”

AGS’s major events will be the “Staff Appreciation Banquet,” in which club members will provide lunch for the staff at Pierce, as well as social membership events including cosmic bowling, archery and an upcoming hike and barbecue. They are also currently working on a Halloween / Homecoming Dance to take place toward the end of the month, according to Kamsingwong.

Eligibility requirements for AGS are a GPA of 3.0 or higher, membership in the ASO and $10 in fees. Members are also required to complete at least 12 hours of social events or community services.

Eligibility requirements for PTK are having a 3.5 GPA for any one semester and maintaining a 3.25 GPA while in the club. Although events and activities will be hosted, participation from members is optional and not required to maintain one’s membership.

Membership fees for PTK are $80, but earn you a lifetime membership in the society.

Students can join at any point throughout the semester. However, since processing takes several weeks, students are encouraged to apply early.

“You meet people you wouldn’t normally meet,” said Nicole Carvajal, vice president of AGS. “I originally joined the group because I wanted to be an active student at Pierce, and I really liked that the club focused both on the social aspect of community college, along with providing community service opportunities.” jsandstoe.roundupnews@gmail.com

AGS and PTK have meetings scheduled Oct. 26 and Nov. 16 under the library, in room 1A.