ECTC honor society shines at statewide conference
Published on Mar 7, 2025
The Alpha Lambda Delta Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa at Elizabethtown Community and Technical College earned 14 honors at the 2025 Kentucky Regional Convention held Feb. 28 – March 1, showcasing scholarship, leadership and service while competing against 21 other Kentucky chapters.
“We are bursting with pride as our chapter’s impact and success continues to grow,” said PTK Lead Advisor and ECTC Associate Professor Y. Kae Cooper.
Of special note, the chapter’s officer team received a 2025 Distinguished Chapter Officer Team Award, placing second in the region. The award recognized officers’ teamwork, leadership and commitment to PTK’s mission.
President Shauna Zuniga, Vice President Jeffrey Stewart, Vice President of Leadership Langston Ramirez-Pharr, Vice President of Engagement Ella Bewley and past Vice President of Public Relations Sherri Casanova will be recognized on stage during PTK Catalyst 2025 in Kansas City, Mo., held April 3-5 at the Kansas City Convention Center.
“This national honor is an incredible achievement for our chapter,” Cooper said.
Additionally, Dean of Physical Sciences and Related Technologies and Chemistry Professor Dr. Shawn Kellie was honored with a Distinguished College Administrator Award and will be recognized from the stage of the national convention.
“Dr. Kellie is always supportive, encouraging and responsive,” Cooper said. “From helping the chapter secure funding, to directing administrative tasks, to even taking a pie in the face to raise money for our chapter, I can’t think of anything he hasn’t done,” Cooper said.
Kellie credited the PTK advisors and emphasized the chapter’s influence on student success.
“PTK is a way for students to connect with each other, connect with the community and transition to the next step on their journey,” Kellie said. “It provides a network and a home for students. The trips, activities and time with faculty advisors greatly enhances their college experience.”
Students and advisors also were recognized in the following categories:
Five Star Chapter Award, the highest level of achievement a PTK chapter can earn, recognizing excellence in leadership, campus engagement and regional/national participation.
Distinguished Chapter Award (Fourth in the Region), placing ECTC’s PTK chapter among the top-performing chapters in Kentucky.
Distinguished Honors in Action Theme Award, recognizing outstanding research, critical thinking and service.
Honors in Action Project Award (Second Runner-Up: Why ECTC?), acknowledging the chapter’s research-driven initiative exploring why students and employees choose ECTC, providing valuable insights that help strengthen institutional engagement and student success efforts.
College Project Award (Honorable Mention – Reigniting the SGA Initiative), celebrating the chapter’s efforts to rebuild student leadership at ECTC through the revitalization of the Student Government Association.
Distinguished Chapter Officer (Second Runner-Up: Jeffrey D. Stewart), recognizing outstanding leadership, initiative and contributions to the chapter’s success.
Distinguished Chapter Officer (Honorable Mention: Shauna Zuniga), acknowledging exemplary dedication and service in fulfilling officer responsibilities.
Paragon Award for New Advisors (Chantia Sharber), celebrating a first-year PTK advisor who has gone above and beyond in guiding and mentoring students.
Horizon Award (Y. Kae Cooper and Kevin Parrett), honoring advisors who have made a profound impact on the chapter’s development and student engagement.
Distinguished Advisor Award (Y. Kae Cooper and Miky Wright), recognizing long-term dedication, mentorship and outstanding service in shaping student leaders.
Additionally, Zuniga was elected as one of the vice presidents of the Kentucky region, furthering the local chapter’s influence and leadership at the state level.
The chapter is a growing community of scholars, Cooper said, noting the group recently was named the 2024 REACH Chapter of the Year, a distinction awarded to chapters that excel in membership recruitment and student engagement. The chapter grew from 55 new members in 2023 to 133 new members in 2024, reflecting its commitment to recognizing academic excellence and fostering student leadership, she said.
ECTC student Brandi Ernspiker is among the newest members of PTK and already recognizes the benefits, she said.
“My heart is full. I am motivated and I feel a sense of belonging I’ve never felt outside of my family,” she said after attending the regional conference.
PTK is an international honor society specifically for two-year colleges and is dedicated to encouraging scholarship, leadership and service. Membership is by invitation based on grade-point average, character and citizenship.
