GOCC earns 12 honors, including top chapter award and regional officer election
The Glen Oaks Community College chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) returned from the Michigan Regional Convention with 12 top honors, including the title of Most Distinguished Chapter in the Michigan Region, the highest recognition a chapter can receive.
Led by PTK advisors Sarah Henry and Ben Fries, six Glen Oaks students attended the annual convention, held last weekend, and were recognized for their exemplary leadership, scholarship, and service throughout the year.
“This was a truly unforgettable weekend,” said Sarah Henry, PTK advisor and Glen Oaks instructor. “We were shocked and overjoyed to see the students’ hard work acknowledged on such a large scale. Their dedication, creativity, and compassion continue to raise the bar.”
Chapter and Individual Awards
Among the top chapter honors, Glen Oaks earned first place for Honors in Action for their project on Neurodivergence in Small Rural Communities, as well as first place for Best Use of Theme. The chapter also received second place for its College Project, focused on promoting access to free virtual mental health counseling.
Several students and advisors were recognized for individual leadership and excellence:
- Viktoria Diwert – 1st Place Distinguished Chapter Officer
- Alexzandria Long – 2nd Place Distinguished Chapter Officer
- Natahlee Hughey – 2nd Place Distinguished Chapter Member
- Troy Cole, Sarah Cropsey, Viktoria Diwert, and Alexzandria Long – 4th Place Distinguished Officer Team
Glen Oaks advisors also earned high praise. Sarah Henry received the 1st Place Paragon Award for New Advisors and was inducted into the Alumni Hall of Honor. Ben Fries, who has previously been named a Distinguished Advisor, received the 1st Place Continued Excellence Award and a Horizon Award for Advisors. Together, Henry and Fries were named the 1st Place Distinguished Advisor Team.
Chloe Butters Elected Regional Officer
In a milestone for the college, Glen Oaks student Chloe Butters was elected as a Michigan Regional Officer, the first student from the college to hold the position in over a decade. In this role, she will represent Glen Oaks and collaborate with peers across the state and nation.
“Chloe is a natural leader, and we’re incredibly proud of her,” said Ben Fries, PTK co-advisor. “She’ll be an amazing voice for our chapter and for students across the region.”
Scholarship Recognition
In addition to the awards, Glen Oaks student Troy Cole was named one of five recipients of a Michigan Region Scholarship, recognizing his academic excellence, service, and leadership.
