H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) students Janae Olive and Kassidy Penn will travel to Orlando, Florida in April 2024 to represent the [British] Virgin Islands at the Phi Theta Kappa’s premier event, PTK Catalyst 2024 alongside Senior Lecturer and new PTK Advisor, Dr Anita Pinzi. Photo: HLSCC

Kassidy Penn said she is looking forward to attending the convention on behalf of her Beta Omicron Sigma Chapter at HLSCC. Photo: HLSCC

Janae Olive said she is usually not one to step out of her comfort zone, ‘but I am excited to see how my participation in this event can lead to opportunities and self-growth.’ Photo: HLSCC

The PTK Catalyst 2024 is Phi Theta Kappa’s premier annual convention, bringing together members, advisors, and their supporters for professional development and celebration of the accomplishments of their community.

The three-day event, according to a press release from HLSCC on March 28, 2024, is designed to create momentum that leads to change – individually and in the life of a PTK chapter and college.

The announcement was made during the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society: Beta Omicron Sigma Chapter Induction Ceremony on March 21, 2024. The Chapter welcomed seventeen provisional members and 8 inductees at the Spring 2024 ceremony.

‘It’s OK to be smart’- Debra Hodge

Director of Student Life and PTK Advisor, Ms Debra Hodge said, “We are pleased and excited to share that our Chapter continues to recognise excellence as our students work hard and perform at the top of their programmes during their studies with us. We remain steadfast in our commitment to the hallmarks of Phi Theta Kappa: Service, Scholarship, Leadership, and Fellowship while encouraging our students in their education pursuits. We let them know: It’s OK to be smart!”

PTK Catalyst 2024 will include immersive opportunities for personal and professional development, college transfer guidance from experts, speakers who inspire, election of leaders, and endless opportunities to network and learn from other members of the PTK community.

Olive & Penn looking forward to the experience

HLSCC Students Janae Olive and Kassidy Penn shared their excitement in attending the premier event.

 Janae Olive said, “I am excited to showcase HLSCC and learn as much as I can from this experience. I am not usually one to step out of my comfort zone, but I am excited to see how my participation in this event can lead to opportunities and self-growth.”

Kassidy Penn also expressed similar sentiments when she said, “I am a fun, energetic, hardworking, bright, and proud student of HLSCC. I enjoy meeting new people and experiencing new things and because of my love for the college and my passion for networking, I look forward to attending the convention on behalf of my Beta Omicron Sigma Chapter here at HLSCC.”

The purpose of Phi Theta Kappa is to recognise and encourage scholarship among two-year college students. To achieve this purpose, Phi Theta Kappa provides opportunity for the development of leadership and service, for an intellectual climate for exchange of ideas and ideals, for lively fellowship for scholars, and for stimulation of interest in continuing academic excellence.

The Beta Omicron Sigma requires students to have at least 12 hours of degree coursework and a minimum GPA of 3.4. To remain a member, students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.4 for full membership. Provisional members must have at least 12 hours of degree coursework and a GPA of 3.00 to 3.39.