Wallace State Phi Theta Kappa welcomes new inductees

Hanceville, Ala. — Wallace State Community College’s Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society welcomed more than 70 new members during the Spring 2025 semester.

“Phi Theta Kappa is the only internationally accepted honor society serving institutions that offer associate degree programs,” said club advisor Jessica Robbins during a recent induction ceremony.

The ceremony celebrated the society’s four foundational pillars: scholarship, leadership, service, and fellowship. “The purpose of Phi Theta Kappa is to recognize and encourage scholarship among associate degree students,” Robbins said.

She explained that the society fosters academic excellence by providing “opportunities for the exchange of ideas, a forum for stimulation of interest in continuing academic excellence.”

Membership in Phi Theta Kappa is highly selective and extended by invitation only. Eligible students must be enrolled in an associate degree program, have completed at least 12 credit hours, maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher, demonstrate good moral character, and exhibit leadership qualities.

“If you are among the members that are being inducted tonight, you have truly achieved some great accomplishment during your time at Wallace State,” Robbins told the inductees.

Wallace State instructor Jeremy Wilt presented the keynote address. Drawing inspiration from the iconic "Sunscreen Song" based on an essay by Mary Schmich, Wilt encouraged students to embrace the beauty of their youth, face fears with courage, and treat themselves and others with kindness and respect.

Wilt’s message resonated with themes of self-acceptance, perseverance, and the unpredictability of life. He reminded inductees to cherish relationships, value their bodies and minds, and not to worry excessively about the future. He emphasized that life’s most meaningful lessons often come from unexpected moments—and that success lies in being true to oneself.

“Do one thing every day that scares you,” Wilt urged, echoing a central theme of personal growth and resilience. “The race is long, and in the end, it is honored with yourself.”

Students inducted into Phi Theta Kappa during the spring semester include:

Addison: Malaki Blakely

Albertville: Daniel Caballero, Genesis Perez

Altoona: Jacob Chaviers, Jaqueline Galvan

Arab: Sakura Lyle, Chase Massey, Brynn McCain, Lucas McWhorter, Jena Wilke

Attalla: Amelia Fowler

Birmingham: Jacob Bensko

Blountsville: Fabian Mejia

Boaz: Shannon McMurtrey, Litzi Toledo Grande, Ethan Williams

Bremen: Cheyenne Bishop

Crane Hill: Joseph Serio

Cullman: Sophia Corliss, Arden Crane, Madison Files, Keirstin Hill, Levi Kelso, Jennifer Lumpkin, Abigail Meadors, Lillie Raburn, Evan Roden, Lily Smith, Ethan Westall

Decatur: Mindy Ditzler, Sydney Jones

Dora: John Lee

Double Springs: Matthew McLeroy

Falkville: Halli Joiner, Teri Rowe

Five Points: Sidney Rierson

Fort Payne: Tyler Anthony

Guntersville: Abby Anderson

Hanceville: Felicity Driver, Alice Krause, Jose Mercado, Hailey Rangel, Roberto Robles

Hartselle: Ashlea Flowers

Hayden: Katelyn Kanute

Hoover: Christopher Gross

Huntsville: Bethany Patterson

Jasper: John Nichols

Kimberly: Brayden Heaps, Jessie Lowe

Madison: Riley Baker, David Terry

Morris: Kaitlyn Ferino

Moulton: Sarah Jones

Muscle Shoals: Blakelyn Austin, Samuel McCrary

Nauvoo: Ashley Johnson

Odenville: Anna Nelson, David Robles

Oneonta: Jordan Jinks, Payton Nichols

Ragland: Kloey Poe

Springville: Dixie Canterbury

Stevenson: Danika Suddath

Trinity: Nicholas Barton

Trussville: Kaymen Kendrick

Tuscaloosa: Antaneisha Prince

Tuscumbia: Kamilah Abernathy

Vinemont: Chloe Clark, Ashton McLeskey

Warrior: James Jones, Lacey Russell

Registration for the summer and fall semesters is currently underway. Summer classes begin May 27 and fall classes begin Aug. 19. For more information, visit www.wallacestate.edu, call Lion Central at 256.352.8236 or come by the Hanceville or Oneonta campus centers. Current and incoming students may schedule an advising session with the Center for Student Success at www.wallacestate.edu/advising.