Bermuda College launched a new society to honour students.

Fifteen Bermuda College students who attained grade point averages of 3.5 were inducted into the College’s local chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa National Honour Society.

Phi Theta Kappa recognises academic achievement of college students in two-year colleges, and provides opportunities for them to grow as scholars and leaders.

Its foundational pillars are scholarship, leadership, service and fellowship.

Amanda Kapinski, past International Officer and current Alumni representative of Phi Theta Kappa was guest speaker for the ceremony.

She encouraged the new members to make the most of the opportunity this new chapter afforded.

Ms. Kapinski told the 15 new members to “use their intellect and drive to change the world around them. “

She added: “PTK is 100 years old. It’s up to you to define what the next 100 years will look like. You succeed in the classroom, prepare to put what you’ve learnt into the real world.”

Dr. Phyllis Curtis-Tweed, Vice President of Academic & Student Affairs at the College, said: “The installation of the new Beta Chi Upsilon Bermuda Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa underscores the vision of Bermuda College as a centre for academic excellence. “

“I am pleased to launch Phi Theta Kappa at Bermuda College and to participate in the induction of these 15 outstanding students. Congratulations to our inductees and to our Beta Chi Upsilon advisers, Dr. Lisa Osborne and Ms. Nikkita Scott for their exceptional work in realising this event.”

Dr. Osborne said the new chapter was a pioneering way to ‘institutionalise’ the recognition of scholarship.

She said: “Through PTK, we have a unique opportunity at Bermuda College to institutionalise this achievement. We are pioneers, promoting academic excellence, and helping students develop their leadership skills. I’m particularly excited about helping students fulfil their potential.”

Ms. Scott added, “PTK creates many opportunities for our students beyond the international recognition of their academic achievements. Active engagement opens the door to a level of research scholarship that is generally perceived to only occur in four-year institutions.

“Through the honours in action programme, our students can have an impact on campus as well as in the larger community, all while contributing to global conversations.”

Keen Collard, Jaiden Furbert-Jacobs, Atiya Furqan, Kaitlyn Jeffrey, D’Hstiny Seaman, Demetria Packwood, Samaria Paynter, Danielle Smith, Naphisa Smith, Dukarai Richardson-Burgess, Jordyn Richardson, Seth Samuels, Ken-Nie Trott, Rickie Williams and Kiara Virgil-Wainwright have become the first students inducted into the inaugural chapter.

Jordyn Richardson, said “Being inducted into Phi Theta Kappa means I have the opportunity to work with people all around the world to further my success.”

Dukarai Richardson-Burgess, agreed. “It’s an opportunity to further my college journey and help me develop in the four pillars of PTK: scholarship, leadership, service and fellowship.”

Phi Theta Kappa is the largest honour society in higher education with 1, 285 chapters on college campuses worldwide.

• Press release from Bermuda College