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Michael King, a recent graduate of Cape Fear Community College, is celebrating a major milestone after being awarded the Jack Kent Cooke Transfer scholarship, a prestigious honor recognizing academic excellence, leadership, and service. A proud member of Phi Theta Kappa since February of 2023, Michael served as resident mentor of the CFCC & PTK mentorship program and Vice President of Scholarship. This recognition reflects not only Michaels’s dedication to their studies, but also their passion for making a difference on campus and in the community. Michael will be starting in the fall of 2025 at Columbia University in New York City with a full ride scholarship. Cape Fear Community College Press Release: PRESS RELEASEFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Christina Hallingse, Director of Media Relations challingse@cfcc.edu  | (910) 362-7256   CFCC Graduate Awarded Prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Transfer Scholarship   Wilmington, NC (DATE)  – Cape Fear Community College proudly announces that recent graduate Michael King has been awarded the highly competitive Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. King is one of only 90 community college students across the nation to receive this prestigious scholarship, which provides up to $55,000 per year to support the completion of a bachelor’s degree at a four-year institution.   This fall, King will continue his academic journey at Columbia University, joining the ranks of Ivy League scholars and fulfilling a dream years in the making. King’s journey at CFCC began as an adult high school student returning to the classroom to finish his high school education. Recognizing his potential and passion for helping others, he later enrolled in CFCC’s Human Services Technology/Addiction and Recovery Studies program. During his time at CFCC, he excelled academically and embraced leadership opportunities, becoming a proud member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and joining the CFCC Honors Program. On May 9, 2025, King graduated from CFCC with honors.   “Cape Fear Community College has forever changed my life, and I will be eternally grateful to all my instructors and advisors who have helped me along the way,” said King. “They saw potential in me before I could see it in myself, and their encouragement has made all the difference.”   The Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship is one of the most competitive scholarships available to community college transfer students in the United States. The scholarship not only provides financial support but also offers academic advising, access to a community of scholars, and networking opportunities to support continued success.   “Michael’s story is the perfect example of how community colleges like CFCC serve as a powerful pathway to the world’s most prestigious universities,” said Jim Morton, CFCC President. “We are incredibly proud of his achievements and can’t wait to see the positive impact he will make in the field of human services.”   For more information on the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation and the Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship, visit jkcf.org .   -END- For 65 years, Cape Fear Community College has served the citizens of New Hanover and Pender Counties with accessible, high-quality education, workforce training opportunities, and specialized services and support. With more than 24,000 students annually, Cape Fear Community College is the fifth-largest community college in North Carolina and a significant economic development partner in Southeastern NC. The college has four locations: Wilmington, Castle Hayne, Burgaw, and Surf City.

Hello, Carolinas Region Advisors, Students, Alumni, and Friends! As your Alpha Omega Carolinas Region Alumni Association Advisors, Officers, and members gear up for what is shaping up to be a fun-filled weekend in Atlantic Beach, NC, we are anticipating this Regional Convention to be full of learning, fun, and as always, fantastic ways to connect with your peers while participating in the four staple hallmarks of our fantastic honor society: Scholarship, Leadership, Service , and Fellowship . Not to mention celebrating all of the amazing achievements our regional chapters have made and the life-altering projects that were completed! We cannot wait to cheer you all on in two weeks! HEADSHOT PHOTO OPPORTUNITY DURING CONVENTION! Need a new or updated HEADSHOT photo? In partnership with the Regional Officer team, one of our own will be co-hosting this FREE photography session Friday from 4:00 P.M. through 8:00 P.M. and again on Saturday from 9:00 A.M. through 4:00 P.M. You will need to SIGN UP for this! Attendees, keep your eye out for the QR CODES that will be available at the Conference! LENDING CLOSET WILL BE OFFERED ONCE AGAIN! Over the last few years, our Closet has grown so much with the generous donations and lenders of our region, both alumni and member. This year is no exception! Are you in a pinch looking for a gown, shoes, or blazer/jacket to wear during the highly anticipated Awards Banquet? Or are you a member wishing to donate or lend a piece you have extra? We would LOVE to help you in any way we can. Donation/ Lender Code Borrower Code COSTUME CONTEST!! 2025 SPRING TRANSFER FAIR! 💥DON'T FORGET💥   ATTENDING STUDENTS and ALUMNI!! Please make sure to stop by the Spring Transfer Fair! The official event sponsors below will be ready to take your transfer-related questions during the event happening on March 8th,2025 starting at 9:00 A.M. in the Pamlico Room. We look forward to seeing you all! Would you like to learn more about our Gold or Silver sponsors? click below! GOLD SPONSOR Penn LPS Online: SILVER SPONSORS STUDENT REGISTRATION SPONSORSHIP Thanks to SNHU for their donation of $150.00 towards one of our regional travel scholarships for a student! Click on the image to learn more about SNHU.

https://lpsonline.sas.upenn.edu/academics/bachelors-degree Is the cost of attendance a driving factor that will decide what institution you transfer to? UPenn LPS Online offers a Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship  based on their academic excellence and financial needs. A partial tuition scholarship good for up to SIX tuition credits is awarded annually as long as the student maintains part-time or full-time attendance. They have the availability of continuing to receive this scholarship as long s they maintain a 3.0 GPA and are in good standing.   Those applying for the Phi Theta Kappa scholarship should submit a copy of their PTK certificate with their unofficial transcript as part of their BAAS application. All credits must be applicable to degree requirements and apply toward their first bachelor’s degree.    Take a look at the following One-Sheet to discover more about this University’s online option and what programs of study they offer! Make sure to bring any questions you have to their table at the upcoming Transfer Fair being held during the Convention! Check out their video to get a quick glimpse of what life as a student could look like for you! And make sure to bring your questions for the Transfer Fair.

Regional Convention, Regional Form submissions, and requesting Regional Officers Happy New Year! As we go into this new year we want to get everyone prepared with these reminders and deadlines. Regional Convention: Early bird registration is open until January 24th and costs $100 per person. Regular registration begins on January 25th and ends on February 21st and costs $150 per person. The region offers a travel scholarship for two chapters. This provides two free registrations and hotel stays; an advisor must be present with a student. The following links below include early bird registration and the travel scholarship. Early Bird Registration: https://web.cvent.com/event/9673e4a3-58dc-4ce9-9e4f-b59f12f626b3/regProcessStep1 Travel Scholarship: https://www.cognitoforms.com/PTKCarolinas/CarolinasRegionRegionalConventionRegistrationScholarship Conference Merch Mart Sign-up for Chapters https://www.cognitoforms.com/PTKCarolinas/ConferenceMerchMartSignupForChapters Regional Submissions: This is a reminder to submit your regional forms for your chapter projects by January 17th.  You can submit your Region Awards  to the following link -  https://www.cognitoforms.com/PTKCarolinas/_2024CarolinasRegionAwardsProgram Also, make sure to complete your Carolina Super Stars  submission to the following link -  https://www.cognitoforms.com/PTKCarolinas/_2024CarolinasSuperStars Do you want to request a Regional Officer for your event? You can now request a Regional Officer to attend your events or inductions this upcoming semester. We want to encourage chapters to request them as soon as possible so we can make sure that the regional officers can attend. When submitting your request, you can provide a preference for officers, but they are not guaranteed to be that officer. You can fill out these requests at the following link:   https://www.cognitoforms.com/PTKCarolinas/RegionalSpeakerRequestForm

Below is the information on 2025 Regional Conference registration and requesting a Regional Officer for your chapter events. Now that we have finished fall semester lets prepare for spring! We are providing all the details for our next regional conference and how to make sure that regional officers are attending your events during the semester. 2024 Regionals at Davidson-Davie Community College We had a great time at the last regional conference and it is almost time for the next regionals conference! Below is the information and link for registration. Regionals - Registration is now open! The early bird registration is now open until January 24th and the price is $100 per person. Regular registration begins on January 25th and ends on February 21st at the price of $150 per person. The region offers a travel scholarship for two chapters. This provides two free registrations and hotel stays; an advisor must be present with a student. The following links below include early bird registration and the travel scholarship. Early Bird Registration: https://web.cvent.com/event/9673e4a3-58dc-4ce9-9e4f-b59f12f626b3/regProcessStep1 Travel Scholarship: https://www.cognitoforms.com/PTKCarolinas/CarolinasRegionRegionalConventionRegistrationScholarship Want a Regional Officer at your event? You are now able to request a Regional Officer to attend your events or inductions this upcoming semester. We want to encourage chapters to request them as soon as possible so we are able to make sure that the regional officers are able to attend. When submitting your request you are able to provide a preference of officers, but it is not guaranteed it will be that officer. You are able to fill out these requests at the following link: https://www.cognitoforms.com/PTKCarolinas/RegionalSpeakerRequestForm

As we reach the end of the year, it's an excellent time for Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) chapters in the Carolinas Region to focus on important deadlines and opportunities. This season is about reflection, celebration, and preparation for the coming year. I’m excited to highlight critical reminders to help us stay organized and engaged through this crucial time. This year brings exciting events and opportunities that can create a significant impact. Whether you’re interested in taking on a leadership role or showcasing your achievements, there are many ways to get involved. PTK Catalyst 2025 Highlights The Catalyst ’25 site is now live under the events tab on the front page . The cost of registration has decreased! One meal (Friday lunch) is now lunch on your own. PTK is adding Food Trucks with reasonable pricing outside the Convention Center, and other food options are available locally. Headquarters encourages Advisors to reserve early. Changes can always be made on the back end.   PTK International will host an Advisor-Only Webinar titled "Planning Your Catalyst Experience" on Thursday, November 21st, at 3:00 PM CT. The session will cover best practices for including the why, how, and benefits of attending Catalyst, which are essential factors to consider when preparing a funding proposal. Here is the registration link . Phi Theta Kappa is now accepting applications for innovative and informative sessions covering topics from professional development to PTK best practices for our 2025 Catalyst convention  in Kansas City, Missouri, April 3-5. Chapter advisors and higher education professionals may apply online   by December 6, 2024 .  2025-2026 International Officer Candidate Application I'm thrilled to announce that the 2025-2026 International Officer Candidate Application is officially LIVE ! This is a remarkable opportunity for PTK members to elevate their leadership skills on an international stage. Members can access the application through the Member Dashboards. If your peers are potential leaders, encourage them to apply, too! The application submission deadline is Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at 11:59 pm CT . Consider this: past international officers have reported a 90% satisfaction rate regarding their leadership experience, with many noting personal growth and enhanced skills. If you aspire to create a positive change in PTK, this could be your chance! Upcoming Webinars   We have several opportunities for members, advisors, and eligible students to learn more about PTK and PTK Programming or participate in professional development. The sessions scheduled for the remainder of the semester, including the registration links, are below. Date Time Registration Link Thurs, November 21 1 pm CT/2 pm ET Why Accept Membership Information Session in Spanish Thurs, November 21 3 pm CT/4 pm ET Advisors Only: Planning Your Catalyst Experience Thurs, December 5 3 pm CT/4 pm ET Virtual Transfer Fair for ELIGIBLE STUDENTS only Thurs, December 12 4 pm CT/5 pm ET Empower, Inspire, Lead: Your Guide to Running for International Office Region Reminders: Key Deadlines Approaching As we approach the new year, several crucial deadlines need your attention. We have several Scholarship and Hallmark Awards deadlines coming up! Date Time Deadline Tues, December 3 5 pm CT/6 pm ET Fall 2024 Scholarship Application   Wed, December 4 5 pm CT/6 pm ET Individual Hallmark Award   Mon, December 9 5 pm CT/6 pm ET All-USA Nominator Deadline Wed, January 8, 2025 5 pm CT/6 pm ET Chapter Hallmark Awards ( College Project  & Honors in Action ) Wed, January 15, 2025 5 pm CT/6 pm ET Alumni Hallmark Awards These deadlines aren’t just dates on a calendar. They represent the chance to recognize and celebrate our members' hard work and accomplishments. Setting reminders for these important dates can ensure that you don’t miss out, and it’s beneficial to encourage chapter members to do the same. Preparing for the Regional Convention PTK Headquarters is publishing the 2025 Regional Convention Registration link for registration through CVENT (it's now a requirement) . Preparing is vital, and here is the Important Information you'll need. Carolinas Regional Convention, March 7-9, 2025, Tentative Agenda   Theme: The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party Tagline: Don’t be Late to “Spill the Tea,” tell your story! Location: DoubleTree by Hilton Atlantic Beach Oceanfront, 2717 West Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach, NC 28512 Hotel Costs: Double Room Rate: $149.00 per night (2/7/2025 Cut off date for event rate) Use this Link to Book your Rooms Registration Costs: Early Registration: $100 (ends 1/​24/​2025) Regular Registration: $150 (ends 2/21/2025) Alumni Registration: $100 (ends 2/21/2025) Virtual Registration: $100 (ends 3/3/2025) Virtual registration is per person, not per chapter. Hosted By: Beta Delta Pi, Carteret Community College Alpha Phi Nu, Craven Community College Alpha Chi Sigma, Cape Fear Community College Important Disclosures: The chapter Advisor must submit registration forms. A chapter advisor must be in attendance if any member from that chapter attends the conference (unless they are an RO or an Alumni); if an advisor from the chapter cannot attend, they must find an advisor from another chapter willing to supervise their students. That advisor must agree to do so in writing (please have them send an email to ptkcarolinas@gmail.com) Photographs and videos will be taken during all Carolinas Regional Conferences, which may be used for promotional and educational purposes. Registration or participation in the meeting and other activities constitutes an agreement to allow Phi Theta Kappa Carolinas Region to use and distribute the attendee’s image or voice in photographs and recordings of the meeting, now and in the future. Carolinas Region Code of Conduct Carolinas Region Phi Theta Kappa is committed to providing a valuable educational experience for all Carolinas Region Conference attendees. By registering for any Carolinas Region conference, you agree to our Code of Conduct. Violation of this policy will result in immediate removal from the Carolinas Region Conference attending. If you are removed, no refunds will be given, and your college administration will be notified. Once registration opens, planning will be crucial for securing your spot. The convention is an excellent chance to network, collaborate, and celebrate our collective achievements. I’m looking forward to the enriching experiences we will engage in at the convention. PTK Advisor Dashboard Update As you may have noticed, your Advisor Dashboard looks slightly different. Please use your Advisor Dashboard  for all things Chapter Management. Please refer to the Supplemental Folder  within Advisor Edge  (always open, regardless of whether you’ve taken the course) for Chapter Support. See the handy-dandy graphic below! Also! There is a new link on your Advisor Dashboard (under Quick Links à Resources) to view scholarship applications  started and completed by your chapter members. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact scholarships@ptk.org . Need Support? Monica’s Calendly Link: https://calendly.com/monica-bates-ptk Book Monica for Advisor Dashboard Training, New Advisor Training, or to get your questions answered! Pattie’s Calendly Link:   https://calendly.com/pattie-vanatter-ptk Book Pattie for Chapter-Specific Eligible Student Info Sessions, anything related to PTK engagement, or to get your questions answered! Updates from Alpha Omega Carolinas Region Alumni Association Hello, Carolinas Region! Thank you for another wonderful Leadership weekend. The alumni held its annual Lip Sync Battle contest, and we witnessed some amazing performances! We also announced the winners of the Joan Keller Scholarship and the Papa John Sharpe Scholarship. Congrats to our winners, Ana Vitrago Ramirez from York Technical College (Keller, $500 scholarship) and Zoe Horne from Johnston Community College (Sharpe, $250 scholarship)!! Scholars and plaques will be awarded at the Regional Convention in March during the banquet. The alumni also hosted a donation drive to help rural areas battling homelessness with a canned food drive. With the recent devastation left behind in the wake of Hurricane Helene, many folks were forced to travel to outside areas with little to no resources. The North Carolina portion was delivered to Rowan County Helping Ministries in Salisbury, NC, and the South Carolina portion was delivered to Operation Hope in Landrum, SC. With the generosity of the region's attending members, we collected 1,612 items for the folks in NC and SC! This included canned goods, hand warmers, feminine hygiene products, and baby goods (diapers, bottles, wipes, food)! Thank you to the region for again showing up when the call is made. You truly inspire us with your servant's hearts! Wrapping Up the Year Strong As this year concludes, staying informed about these upcoming opportunities and deadlines is essential. Engaging in the application process, participating in webinars, and submitting awards ensures we recognize our contributions and progress. Utilize the resources available to you. Don't hesitate to reach out if you have questions or need help with your applications. Let’s close this year on a high note, paving the way for a prosperous new year. Together, we can achieve great things. I look forward to seeing all your contributions and celebrating your successes as we approach the end of the year! Let’s make it a fantastic conclusion to the year, Carolinas Region PTK members!

As the fall semester wraps up, it's time to recognize the incredible achievements of our chapters across the region. Everyone has been working hard, organizing impactful events on and off campus that make a difference in our communities. We're always excited to celebrate the dedication and effort that goes into each project! Reminder: You must submit a blog post to become a superstar chapter! Craven Community College: Alpha Phi Nu Chapter On October 23rd, Alpha Phi Nu members and representatives from the HOPE Family Resource Center jointly hosted a “lunch and learn” session about our local foster care community at Craven Community College (CCC) called “Becoming a Friend of Foster Care.” The purpose of this event was to inform the community about the reality of living in foster care and to encourage people to get involved with and support the youth in the foster care system, with a focus on the 18-21 program for youth preparing to leave foster care. There were three speakers representing the HOPE Family Resource Center, one of which was a young woman who has recently aged out of the foster care system and was able to give us more insight into the true experience of living in foster care and how she has managed life on her own. Many CCC students came to the event and asked lots of great questions! The representatives provided many ways to support the youth in foster care, like donating items for them to take with them to new foster homes. As a chapter, we strongly believe that our community has the ability to positively impact the lives of those in foster care, and we are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to encourage them to do so through events like this one. Pitt Community College: Beta Nu Upsilon Chapter Throughout the month of October, we celebrated the power of storytelling, focusing on the brave survivors and the supportive community surrounding breast cancer in Pitt County, NC. In a brief phone interview, historian John Kammerer shared his early memories of the Women's Club in Farmville, NC. On June 25, 1945, this group discussed cancer before the Health Clinic in Pitt County started meeting in Greenville around 1948. The American Cancer Society, founded in 1913 by 15 individuals—five non-medical professionals and ten physicians—began to make significant strides in cancer awareness when Marjorie G. Illig ramped up efforts through education and fundraising in 1936 (American Cancer Society). In Pitt County and the surrounding eastern NC counties, several Relay for Life events are scheduled, offering educational resources, networks, and connections for survivors, caregivers, and family members. These events feature individuals who walk and share their stories of resilience, support, hope, and courage. Since 1985, the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life "Luminaria Ceremony" events have taken place worldwide, illuminating countless incredible stories of triumph through trauma and tragedy (American Cancer Society - Relay For Life). On October 29, 2024, at Pitt Community College’s “Stitches of Strength,” we had the opportunity to speak with a few survivors, and their tales of strength and perseverance were truly inspiring. Surry Community College: Alpha Xi Tau Chapter Dobson, NC – October 23, 2024. Recently, Surry Community College’s Alpha Xi Tau Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society went on an adventure to Emerald Hollow Mine, located in Hiddenite, NC. Chapter President, Ellie Edwards; Chapter Vice President, Luke Johnson; Chapter Public Relations Officer, Veronika Dimeo; and Member, Arnold Stimpson dug in the open mine, then sluiced their buckets of dirt to look for emeralds. They then tried their hand at sifting for gemstones in the creek. Each came away from the experience with a small, apple-green emerald in hand. “They weren’t gemstone quality, but they still count,” explained Dr. Kathleen Fowler, the Honor Society co-advisor. Located in the Brushy Mountains, Emerald Hollow Mine is the only emerald mine in the world open to the public for prospecting. Visitors can find more than 60 different types of naturally occurring gems and minerals, including not only emeralds, but also other types of gemstones such as aquamarine, sapphire, garnet, topaz, amethyst, citrine, rutile, and tourmaline. Although it is extremely rare, visitors may also find hiddenite, the gemstone for which the town is named. Hiddenite is the fourth rarest gemstone in the world. PTK members learned about the unique geology of the Brushy Mountains and why gemstones form there. They also learned what raw emeralds look like and how to identify them. According to Chapter Officer, Veronika Dimeo, the trip was “an exciting, educational adventure” which provided an opportunity “for all ages of rock-hounds to experience the thrill of real-life gem mining at the only emerald mine in the world.” A little geology, a little hard work, and a lot of fun—what a great mixture of learning and enjoyment. In fact, the Surry Community College’s chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society is built on four pillars: Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Fellowship. “We schedule both fun activities and service projects throughout the year. Keeping a balance of fun and hard work is important,” explains chapter co-advisor, Dr. Kathleen D. Fowler who is also an English instructor at SCC. Photo Captions from right to left : PTK members Ellie Edwards, Luke Johnson, Arnold Stimpson, and Veronika Dimeo at Emerald Hollow Mine. PTK members Luke Johnson and Ellie Edwards screening for emeralds in the creek at Emerald Hollow Mine. PTK members Veronika Dimeo, Arnold Stimpson, Luke Johnson, and Ellie Edwards sluicing for emeralds at Emerald Hollow Mine. Midlands Technical College: Alpha Eta Kappa Chapter Stories and folklore are integral to preserving history and interpreting what those who came before us experienced. The human mind attempts to make sense of anything it doesn't understand, and we tend to attribute that to the supernatural when no logical explanations are available. When we chose to focus on Agnes, it was not only because her story called upon that paranormal curiosity but because that curiosity is often intertwined with historical events. For Agnes specifically, we wanted to find the truth in the details of her story: was she a Scottish woman who traveled to America chasing after a British soldier, leading her to Charleston and then her final resting place, Camden? Did she genuinely succumb to sickness or die in childbirth, as some rumors say? Was she buried by the chief of the Catawba tribe, King Haigler? Was she buried outside of the fence because she was a witch? Why do people leave coins on her gravestone? These details have become hazy and distorted over years of storytelling and embellishing for a scarier effect. Our search led us to the Southern Gothic Festival, a wonderful celebration of Carolina's gothic subculture that consists of great speakers and an incredible music act called Valentine Wolfe. To help us distinguish truth from embellishment, we were excited to speak with author Tally Johnson. He is the winner of the Caldwell Sims Award for Excellence in Southern Folklore from the USC-Union Upcountry Literary Festival and has written many books on Carolina ghosts: Ghosts of the South Carolina Upcountry, Ghosts of the South Carolina Midlands, and Ghosts of the Pee Dee. Tally became interested in ghosts from a young age after an encounter with the Hound of Goshen in Union County, SC, and the King's Messengers west of Charlotte, NC (both tales are wonderfully told by Tally, a combination of his personal experience and knowledge of the history and stories, and best heard at one of his storytelling sessions). With this historical knowledge and personal experience, we knew we had a good source for the truth of Agnes. That truth is that Agnes's story is most likely untrue, as much as ghost lovers want to believe it. "I hate to break it to you because I love Agnes, but it's not true," Johnson states, elaborating on the fact that there very well could have been a camp follower who came to Camden with the British, but there is no proof that she traveled in search of a long-lost love. Agnes could have been a young Scottish woman who passed during childbirth or from disease, most likely smallpox at the time, but she was not buried in Camden by King Haigler. King Haigler died in 1763, seventeen years before Agnes's supposed death in 1780. Moreover, there is no proof that the body buried under the headstone is truly Agnes. Johnson says the consensus is that an unidentified body was buried there and that in the late 1880s, someone who knew the story decided to mark the grave as hers. Finally, Agnes is buried outside the fence because she wasn't a Quaker, not because she was a witch. While many of us wanted the spooky legend of Agnes to have some truth, Tally's information proves that this legend was mainly the result of imagination. Even if Agnes's specifics may not be actual, there are unexplained happenings throughout the Southeast – and many more to expand upon next Halloween. To wrap things up, we asked Tally Johnson why there could be lingering spirits from before, and he said that many experts believe it starts with routine. You wake up every day simultaneously, let the dog out, turn the kitchen light on, and make breakfast for 50 years. It's plausible that this memory and residual energy remain after you pass away, even though it gets fuzzier over time. So, even if what people have seen wandering Quaker cemetery may not be Agnes of Glasgow specifically, it could be someone. I guess you'll have to come to that decision yourself. The Alpha Eta Kappa chapter would like to thank Amy Schofield, Director of Kershaw Country Library, for helping us find more information on ghost lore. We would also love to congratulate Tally Johnson for speaking with us and helping us uncover the truth of one of our local ghost stories. Even though the Southern Gothic Festival is over for this year (be sure to check for it next October!), keep looking for any of Tally's upcoming events to learn more about any ghosts that could be roaming around you. Photo Caption: Author Tally Johnson during his Carolina Ghost Lore event at the Southern Gothic Festival

Hey there Carolinas Region! 🌟 Are you ready for an exhilarating academic journey ahead? Your Regional Leadership Team is here to kickstart this year with nothing but enthusiasm and energy, and we are beyond thrilled to have you all on board as we embark on this new semester together. Embracing Growth and Opportunity As we gear up for another fantastic academic year, our team is fully committed to providing you – our brilliant members – with top-notch leadership programming, support, and endless opportunities for personal and academic growth. We're here to help you shine as scholars, leaders, and changemakers within our community and beyond. We want to remind you that our annual leadership conference is approaching quickly . This year’s conference will be held at Trident Technical College, in their Nursing & Science Building, 7000 Rivers Ave, North Charleston, SC 29406, on October 4-6, 2024. Here is the Tentative Agenda , and here is a link to the Registration form . Early Registration Ends on August 30th. Payment can be mailed or given to the Regional Coordinator, Sylvia Hayes, by the end of the conference. Also, your Carolinas Region Leadership Team is offering a registration scholarship for the leadership conference. It will include the registration fee for 2 people. Registration includes all activities and meals listed on the agenda for the weekend. To apply, complete the Registration Scholarship Application . Scholarship applications are due by September 9th at 11:59 pm. Join the Scholarly Adventure! As college students and faculty members, we understand the importance of fostering a community that thrives on collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity. Together, we can make this academic year a truly memorable and enriching experience for all. Remember, applications are currently open for Regional Officer positions. Students, if you are looking for an opportunity to develop leadership and professional skills further  or are interested in serving our amazing community being a Regional Officer IS for you! Here is a link to the RO Application . Exciting Updates Coming Your Way! One of the most exciting updates on the horizon is the ongoing revamp of our regional webpage! 🚀 Our Headquarters team is hard at work to ensure that our online hub is not just a place for information but a vibrant space that resonates with your dynamic spirit and passion for learning. We can't wait for you to explore the revamped webpage and make it your go-to hub for all things related to our exciting community. It is taking quite a while to have anything added at this time, so in the meantime we will be posting links here in our Blog posts and on our Facebook group ,  if you haven’t joined yet, please do. Have you been looking for the Carolina Super Stars checklist? How about the Carolinas Region Super Star Requirements? Here is a link to those forms: 2024 Carolinas Super Stars   and   2024 Carolinas Region Awards Program . Consider working on the Regional Service Project and Regional Honors in Action Project .  Don’t forget deadlines for our Alumni Scholarships are just around the corner and you can’t win if you don’t apply! Get those applications submitted today! Here is a link to the Applications . Submission are due September 1st at 11:59 pm. Finally, we want to remind you that no matter what challenges you face this semester, Phi Theta Kappa is here for you! Above all else, we are here to see you succeed.  Be it resources or any support we can offer, your Phi Theta Kappa community is just an email, a text, or a phone call away. Don’t hesitate to reach out…. We’d love to hear from you!  Let's Connect! Are you ready to dive into a world of leadership, growth, and endless possibilities? We invite you to join us on this incredible scholarly adventure. Make sure to keep an eye out for updates here on our blog, The Carolian Crier , exciting events, and opportunities that await you. Stay connected, stay engaged, and most importantly, stay inspired as we embark on this journey together. Here's to a year filled with growth, learning, and leadership like never before! With passion and excitement, Your Regional Leadership Team 🌟

Hello, Carolinas Region Advisors, Students, Alumni, and Friends! As your Alpha Omega Carolinas Region Alumni Association Advisors, Officers, and members gear up for what is shaping up to be a fun-filled weekend in Charleston, SC , we are anticipating this Leadership Conference to be full of learning, fun, and as always, fantastic ways to connect with your peers while participating in the four staple hallmarks of our fantastic honor society: Scholarship, Leadership, Service , and Fellowship . There will be a Food Donation Drive, a Transfer Fair, and the return of the infamous LIP SYNC BATTLE ! Please take a moment to read the following pieces that the alumni association is sponsoring. ALUMNI SPONSORED NON-PEARISHABLE FOOD DRIVE Are you all ready for the Leadership Conference in TWO weeks???? We know your Regional Alumni Officer Team and Advisors are! This year, we would like to ask for your assistance in helping alleviate one of the toughest struggles our region faces, and that is food insecurity . We ask that you please bring non-perishable food items to the Alumni Merchandise Table to be equally distributed between a rural location in South Carolina and Rowan Helping Ministries (full service homeless shelter in Rowan County) North Carolina. Please make sure they are not out of date and that labels are attached. Thank you all in advance for your generosity and continuously being a great example to other regions of your commitment to your communities! And for anyone unable to attend who would still like to donate, please consider participating by donating to a homeless shelter or organization in need in your community. Every bit helps, no matter how big or small! LIP SYNC BATTLE SIGN UPS Leadership attendees: Don't miss your opportunity to show the region your performance skills during the annual Lip Sync Battle! Sign ups are still underway, so make sure you get your act submitted and payment secured before you miss your chance to show off those amazing skills! Also, costumes are HIGHLY encouraged!! For the first timer's who are not exactly sure what to expect, please enjoy a few photos from past events. This is one of the Alumni groups favorite fundraising event! 2024 FALL TRANSFER FAIR! 💥DON'T FORGET💥   ATTENDING STUDENTS and ALUMNI!! Please make sure to stop by the Fall Transfer Fair! The official event sponsors below that will be ready to take your transfer-related questions during the event happening on October 5th, 2024 at 9 a.m. We look forward to seeing you all! Would you like to learn more about our Gold or Silver sponsors? click below! GOLD SPONSOR Coastal Carolina University: SILVER SPONSORS

www.coastal.edu Is the cost of attendance a driving factor that will decide what institution you transfer to? Coastal Carolina University offers an estimated cost for attendance so that you can make sure you are prepared. Did you know they also offer Transfer Merit Awards as well as a PHI THETA KAPPA SCHOLARSHIP for up to 30 eligible transfer students each year? Take a look at the following booklet to discover more about this University and what programs of study they offer! Make sure to bring any questions you have to their table at the upcoming Transfer Fair being held during Leadership! What do you think of when you hear the phrase #TealNation ? Why, Coastal Carolina University, that’s who!! Check out their YouTube video to get a quick glimpse of what life as a student could look like for you! And make sure to bring your questions for the Transfer Fair.

Hey Carolinas! As we draw near to our annual fall Leadership Conference, our application deadline for Regional Officer positions approaches. Applications will remain open until September 27th. In addition to Regional Vice President and Public Relations Vice President , a new position has just opened and we are now taking applications for Media and Records Vice President. We seek candidates who enjoy social media engagement, are ready to learn the ins and outs of different platforms, or are enthusiastic about building connections and fostering fellowship. Regional leadership positions are a fantastic opportunity to develop in-demand, marketable skills, build leadership capabilities, and make impactful contributions to our members' and region's growth. You can access the application for our open positions here: https://www.cognitoforms.com/PTKCarolinas/_2024RegionalOfficerApplication?fbclid=IwY2xjawFNwzNleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHRLvfozEdSceqDixkW4jxYnAteqeBov7PSCJPGYDkQNmzSVjAcSwVgfdMw_aem_otcnm3yyIl7PaqFypa9kNg Members can cast their ballots for incoming officers at our Leadership Conference. Potential candidates can direct their questions to ptkcarolinas@gmail.com or reach out to us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/ptkcarolinas . Stay awesome friends!

Early Registration Extended The Leadership Conference Early Registration has been EXTENDED until September 6th! Get your chapter registered for this awesome gathering of PTK scholars in Charleston, South Carolina at a discounted rate. RO Applications Remember if you or someone you know wants to run for Regional Office, applications are due on September 27th and the Honors Study Topic Speech is due September 30th. Lip Sync Battle If you want to participate in the Lip Sync Battle, you need to sign up as only twenty (20) performance slots are available, awarded on a first-come basis. Any entries received after the twenty slots are filled will be marked as alternates. Entrant(s) must pay a fee to enter the competition. Entry fees can be paid before or upon arrival at the Leadership Conference Entry Fee: Single, $5.00; Duo/Trio, $10.00; Group (>3), $20.00. Entrants must complete the ALPHA OMEGA STYLE LIP SYNC BATTLE ENTRY FORM to participate. This should be emailed BEFORE 10/01/2024 to alphaomegaptk2001@gmail.com. You can turn them in upon arrival at Leadership, but then will not know in advance if you are among the first twenty. Songs MUST be available from Amazon Music at no cost. Makeup and costumes are encouraged to enhance your performance. Lip-syncing and enthusiasm are the keys to success; see the sign-up form here! ! Transfer Fair!! We had so much fun in March, that we are doing it again! Your Alpha Omega Carolinas Region Alumni Association Officers and Advisor Team is excited to present the students with a second TRANSFER FAIR OPPORTUNITY this year during our Fall Leadership Conference event held in Charleston, SC! This event would not have been possible without the support of our official event sponsors listed below. Please come visit their tables on Saturday, October 5th, 2024, from 9:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. during the conference to discuss your potential future with their institutions! Gold Sponsor: Coastal Carolina University, located in Conway, SC Alpha Omega Carolinas Region Alumni Association would like to extend their gratitude to GOLD Sponsor, Coastal Carolina University, located in Conway, South Carolina! Founded in 1954, the university began as a two-year community college and became an independent community college in 1958. In July 1993, the school officially became an autonomous state institution as a public institution. They are the home of the CHANTICLEER’s Athletics, with 19 NCAA teams (Sun Belt Conference), offering over 115 undergraduate and over 30 graduate-level major fields of study, including specialized concentrations. The university also offers a Ph.D. in Marine Science and Education Sciences.   Ready to transfer? Get a jump start and prepare your questions for the representative during the event on October 5th at the Regional Leadership Conference by clicking here:   www.coastal.edu Silver Sponsor: William Peace University, located in Raleigh, NC Alpha Omega Carolinas Region Alumni Association would like to extend their gratitude to SILVER Sponsor, William Peace University, located in Raleigh, North Carolina! Founded in 1857, the university began as an institute for children in primary grades as well as women from high school to college. It once was a two-year college for women and has since evolved into a four-year coeducational university as a private institution. They are the home of the PACERS Athletics, with 18 NCAA Division III teams. They offer more than 30 majors in their Traditional Undergraduate and School of Professional Studies programs.   Ready to transfer? Get a jump start and prepare your questions for the representative during the event on October 5th at the Regional Leadership Conference by clicking here:  https://www.peace.edu Silver Sponsor: NC State University, located in Raleigh, NC Alpha Omega Carolinas Region Alumni Association would like to extend their gratitude to SILVER Sponsor, NC State University, located in Raleigh, North Carolina! Founded in 1887 as a public institution, the university began as a land-grant institution that adopted its school colors in late 1895 but did not establish an official mascot or nickname until 1921 when the University’s mascot was suggested by an alumnus in an unsigned letter to the NC State Alumni News in February 1921 and the mascot Wolfpack was born. They are the home of the Wolfpack, with 22 programs Division 1 athletic teams in the ACC and NCAA. They offer more than 100 majors and over 120 minors. They were founded with a mission to give back and have performed 3,200 service hours across all Alternative Service Break Trips in the 2022- 2023 academic year. NC State was also ranked #5 by the U.S. News & World Report for their Vet Med Program nationally and #20 in Forbes for their STEM College program.   Ready to transfer? Get a jump start and prepare your questions for the representative during the event on October 5th at the Regional Leadership Conference by clicking here:  https://admissions.ncsu.edu/