Alpha Xi Xi, BRCC’s chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (International Honor Society) took home first place honors for their annual college project – a student art show featuring recycled materials – during the Virginia Regional Convention earlier this month.
The art show’s theme, “Finding Our Future: Challenges of the 21st Century,” required students to address the topic from environmental, political, economic, health, social, or educational issues, using only recycled materials. Students from six area high schools and BRCC participated. The exhibit brought high school students and their families, teachers, and administrators to the BRCC campus and gave the Chapter an opportunity to encourage and recognize student scholarship.
The Chapter was also recognized as the Most Outstanding Chapter in the Region, an award based on the culmination of the Chapter’s annual efforts as scored by PTK Regional Administration. The Virginia region includes nearly 50 chapters from across the Commonwealth and parts of West Virginia. Chapter president, Terry Laney, had some explanation for their success. “The officers actively solicit the ideas of the members when deciding on projects for the year, so our members are personally invested in seeing those projects turn out well.” She added, “ We also do everything with the intention to improve our members; whether it entails leadership, public speaking, researching or fund raising, we are always aware of opportunities for personal growth and support each other through mentoring.”
Alpha Xi Xi also received first place for the Leadership Hallmark, which reflects their activities and outreach to foster student leadership on their college campus and within their community.
Advisor Abby Montgomery remarked, “Competition is not the primary focus of what we do as a chapter, but we are so proud of the students and excited to see the chapter’s efforts honored in this way. I’m always proud of what the chapter does in and around the college community, and it is wonderful to see the students’ contributions recognized and rewarded.”