Fifty-six students joined Wayne Community College’s honor society in its traditional fall induction ceremonies witnessed by faculty, staff, friends and family. The students accepted the invitation of the Upsilon Chi chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for two-year colleges, to join its ranks.

To be invited into the society, WCC students must show academic achievement with a minimum of a 3.5 grade point average. They must have completed a minimum of 16 hours of course work leading to an associate degree.

Phi Theta Kappa members represent the top 10 percent of students enrolled in two-year schools, chapter advisor Gene Smith explained.

The students were selected to join "because they have chosen scholarship, leadership, fellowship and service as their hallmark," Smith said.

Among the perks of Phi Theta Kappa membership are special designations on the WCC diploma and transcripts, distinguishing stoles and tassels at graduation, as well as exclusive eligibility for scholarships and heightened recruitment by four-year institutions.

During the induction ceremony, inductees recited the Phi Theta Kappa pledge, signed a membership roster, were presented a membership certificate, and lit a candle signifying the quest for knowledge.

Inductees from your coverage area are included in the list below.

From Mount Olive: Mathilda Gardner, human services major;

From Dudley: Christina Heckmann, associate in art/college transfer major; Thomasina Lee, education major; and Lindsay Thompson, office systems technology major;

From Faison: Michelle Bradshaw, associate in science/college transfer major;

From Pikeville: Bradley Collier, music major; and Thomas Garrou, associate in arts/college transfer major;

From Pine Level: Regina Morris, human services major;

From Princeton: Linzy Bailey, accounting major; Nairoby Guifarro, associate of arts college transfer; and Deanna Howell, medical assisting major;

From Rosewood: Amy Lintner, early childhood education major; and Michele Woodard, associate degree nursing major;

From Seven Springs: Cindy Game, accounting major; Revelene Hutchins, early childhood education major; and Angela Taylor, associate in science/college transfer major;

From Albertson: Myranda Barnett, fine arts major;

From Snow Hill: Joshua Earp, criminal justice major;

From Wilson: Elizabeth Muse, associate in science/college transfer major;

From Kinston: Toni Smith, medical assisting major;

From Raleigh: Franklin Gurganus, associate in arts/college transfer major;

From Erwin: Christa Lewis, business administration major.