Fellowship, leadership, scholarship and service are the four hallmarks that the Phi Theta Kappa honor society represent.

"[We] try to exemplify [each hallmark] in what we do," said Jessica Johnston, president of the Palo Alto chapter of Phi Theta Kappa. Johnston is a sophomore and she is dual-majoring in Biology and History.

The honor society reviews qualifying students who are referred by the department, based on two major points: a cumulative minimum grade point average of 3.5 and at least 12 college-level credits earned at this college.

Phi Theta Kappa celebrates new members with an induction ceremony.

"We like to honor [the new] members…" Johnston said.

According to Johnston, Palo Alto College has approximately 75 to 100 members. A membership fee of $65 is required, and members must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0 or higher throughout the duration of their membership.

Other than having your Phi Theta Kappa membership on your college transcript, multiple perks come along when joining the international organization. Members enjoy offers for transfer scholarships from more than 700 four-year colleges and universities, over $130,000 in scholarships offered by Phi Theta Kappa, letters of recommendation for possible colleges and or employers, and opportunities to gain further knowledge of leadership and service.

This semester, the Palo Alto chapter welcomed a new student adviser to the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society. Carolyn DeLecour is the organization's only adviser, as she has filled the position of the respected former student adviser, Joan Osborne.

"People are very aware of the organization," said DeLecour.

Phi Theta Kappa is very active, recently participating in events such as "The Basura Bash," which is a river clean-up. They have also visited and assisted at an elderly daycare, and also took part in PACfest, an official Fiesta event on campus.

Students gain experiences while interacting with other students and are able to express their opinions and set great examples for others.

When talking about the community events, such as visiting the elderly, Erin Waller, a sophomore majoring in Fine Arts said, "It was special being able to help someone out that doesn't have family around Christmas season."

Seven officers have been chosen by the members to represent the society at Palo Alto College: Jessica Johnston, President; Crystal Bass, Vice President of Leadership; Cassandra Galvan, Vice President of Scholarship; Sylvia Lopez, Treasurer; Krystal Sanchez, Recording Secretary; Valentin Tristan, Vice President of Fellowship; Matthew Flores, Vice President of Service; and Dan Arizola, Public Relations.

If you have any questions about Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, please contact Carolyn DeLecour at (210) 486-3207 or e-mail her at cdelecour@alamo.edu.