The Alpha Xi Pi chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) at Motlow College recently received awards and had members elected as officers at the PTK regional convention at Columbia State Community College.

Individually, Motlow sophomore Robin Keel won the award for Distinguished Chapter Member and Laura Brown, faculty advisor for PTK at the Moore County campus and research technician at Motlow, was recognized as Distinguished Chapter Advisor.

PTK is an honors society at two-year institutions across the world. The regional convention hosted 14 chapters from across Tennessee.

Alpha Xi Pi had the highest attendance of chapters present with 33 members among the over 100 convention attendees, according to Dayron Deaton-Owens, assistant professor of psychology and sociology and faculty advisor for PTK.

"First-place awards were received for the Chapter of Light Award and the Icarus Award," said Deaton-Owens. "Tears were shed by many when our very own, much-deserving Laura Brown was recognized as Distinguished Chapter Advisor out of 14 Phi Theta Kappa chapters.

In addition to awards, two Alpha Xi Pi members were elected to serve in regional positions. Katie Campbell and Jacquline Bumbalough were elected as regional vice-president middle and regional secretary, respectively.

"Awards were not the only advantage this trip provided," continued Deaton-Owens. "Freshmen were inspired by the scholarship, leadership, service and fellowship opportunities."

"I never thought this trip would be so fun and inspiring," said Motlow member Morgan McCormick.

"I am so glad I joined as a freshmen to spend as much time as possible in PTK," added fellow member Lori Clark.

For additional information on Phi Theta Kappa please contact Laura Brown (Moore County) at 931-393-1538 or lbrown@mscc.edu, Laura Monks (Fayetteville Center) at 931-438-0028 or lmonks@mscc.edu, Gregg Garrison (McMinnville) at 931-668-7010 or ggarrison@mssc.edu, Nick Bush (Smyrna) at 615-220-7833 or nbush@mscc.edu.