Lighting the Way
Carteret Celebrates Phi Theta Kappa Excellence and Inducts the Next Generation of Leaders
An evening of excellence and inspiration unfolded as Phi Theta Kappa welcomed a new generation of student leaders.
On April 15, Carteret Community College witnessed a powerful evening of recognition, reflection, and inspiration as the Beta Delta Pi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society welcomed its newest members during the 2026 Induction Ceremony.
From the very first strike of the gavel, the atmosphere was filled with pride, gratitude, and a shared sense of purpose. Chapter President Addison Covington opened the ceremony by honoring not only the achievements of the students, but also the unwavering support systems behind them—the faculty, staff, families, and friends who helped make those achievements possible.
But this evening was more than a ceremony—it was a celebration of growth, resilience, and the extraordinary journey of students who chose to rise above expectations.
A Legacy Rooted in Excellence
Phi Theta Kappa, founded in 1918, has spent more than a century recognizing the academic success of students in two-year colleges while fostering leadership, service, and fellowship. At Carteret Community College, the Beta Delta Pi Chapter embodies that mission fully—transforming high-achieving students into impactful leaders.
And in 2025–2026, that mission came to life in historic fashion.
For the first time in nearly 30 years, Beta Delta Pi earned both the International Chapter Officer Award and the International Officer Team Award, placing Carteret among the most distinguished chapters in the world.
Leadership in Action: A Team That Redefined Possibility
This year’s officer team—Addison Covington, Mackey Torres, Dory Knowles, and Lisa Ritter—did more than lead; they reimagined what leadership could look like.
They hosted regional conferences, designed and executed large-scale events, and created meaningful projects that connected their chapter to the broader community. Their award-winning Honors in Action project, “Small Tabs, Big Impact,” demonstrated that even the smallest contributions can change lives—collecting over 52 pounds of pop tabs to support families through the Ronald McDonald House.
But what truly set them apart was not just what they accomplished—it was how they did it.
They led with humor. With creativity. With authenticity.
There were moments of laughter—inside jokes about last-minute planning, spontaneous donut runs, and unforgettable performances. There were moments of growth—quiet confidence emerging into leadership, creativity turning into innovation, and teamwork evolving into lasting friendships.
More Than Members: A Community of Growth
The ceremony also highlighted the broader PTK community—students at every stage of their journey.
Provisional members, like Kai Ritter, were recognized for their commitment to growth and participation, demonstrating that leadership begins long before official membership.
Outstanding members Madison Pinaula and Cyndi Thurman were honored for their dedication to research, service, and active engagement—setting an example for their peers and strengthening the foundation of the chapter.
Through PTK Edge, students expanded their skills beyond the classroom—gaining experience in leadership, communication, healthcare, research, and career readiness, equipping them for success in both their academic and professional futures.
A Story of Second Chances and Belonging
One of the most meaningful moments of the evening came during a special honorary induction—one that perfectly captured the spirit of Phi Theta Kappa.
Ten years ago, an invitation to join PTK arrived in Anna Kitchin’s inbox. Like many students balancing life and priorities, it went unopened—set aside for “another time.”
That “another time” would come years later.
Now serving as an advisor for Beta Delta Pi while pursuing her master’s degree, Anna’s journey came full circle as she was formally inducted as an honorary member of Phi Theta Kappa.
Her story resonated deeply throughout the room—not because it was perfect, but because it was real.
It was a reminder that success doesn’t always happen on the first try. That opportunities don’t disappear—they wait. And that sometimes, the path to purpose includes detours, growth, and a return to something once overlooked.
In that moment, Anna’s story became more than her own—it became an invitation for every student in the room:
It’s never too late to step into your potential.
Welcoming the Class of 2026
At the heart of the evening was the induction of the newest members—students who have demonstrated not only academic excellence, but a commitment to something greater.
As each name was called, they stepped forward to receive their certificates, cords, and candles—symbols of honor, achievement, and responsibility.
The newest members of Beta Delta Pi include:
Isabella Blair, Jeannette Coffey, Kenna Calo, Savannah Crain, Kenyia Dillon, Joseph Dromeshauer, Garrett Futrell, Destiny Hester, William Hester, Brendan Howell, Nathalie Johnson, Ashton Kirkwood, Heather Lamp, Matthew Larson, Aletta Lowry, Crystal Morrisey, Jessica Ogle, Hannah Parham, Madison Pinaula, Kaliah Reed, Teresa Shankle, Cyndi Thurman, Jessica Waiau, Jennifer Whitfield, Kaylee Whitley, and Matthew Williams.
As they recited the oath, they made a promise—to uphold the values of scholarship, leadership, service, and fellowship—not just during their time at Carteret, but throughout their lives.
Passing the Torch
In a moving candle-lighting tradition, inductees were invited to carry the “light of knowledge”—a symbol of wisdom meant to be shared with others.
It was a quiet but powerful moment, reflecting the heart of Phi Theta Kappa:
Achievement is not just about personal success—it is about illuminating the path for others.
A Call to Rise
As the ceremony drew to a close, the focus shifted from celebration to possibility—from what has been accomplished to what lies ahead.
Newly installed Chapter President Madison Pinaula stood before her peers with a clear and powerful message: Phi Theta Kappa is not simply an honor to receive, but a commitment to live out. She challenged members to remain engaged, to seek truth, and to embrace every opportunity for growth through meetings, service projects, campus involvement, and regional events.
With that call, the next generation of leadership officially stepped forward.
The Beta Delta Pi Chapter proudly welcomed its 2026–2027 officer team:
- President: Madison Pinaula
- Vice President of Public Relations: Lisa Ritter
- Vice President of Service: Cyndi Thurman
- Vice President of Fellowship: Kenna Calo
- Vice President of Leadership & Scholarship: Heather Lamp
- Vice President of Communications: Savannah Crain
Together, this team represents the future of Beta Delta Pi—leaders ready to build upon an already extraordinary legacy while bringing fresh ideas, energy, and vision to the chapter.
Each officer carries forward the responsibility not only to lead, but to inspire—to create opportunities for connection, to strengthen the bonds of fellowship, and to ensure that every member finds their place within the chapter.
Students were encouraged to step beyond the classroom and into these experiences—to attend events, travel, serve, and lead. Because within Phi Theta Kappa, growth happens in the moments of participation, in the courage to say yes, and in the willingness to be part of something bigger than oneself.
As one chapter ends and another begins, Beta Delta Pi stands ready—not just to continue its legacy, but to elevate it.
A Chapter—and a College—Filled with Pride
Carteret Community College stands proudly behind its Beta Delta Pi Chapter, celebrating not only what these students have achieved, but who they are becoming.
As the chapter approaches its 30th anniversary in 2027, one thing is certain:
The legacy of Phi Theta Kappa at Carteret is not just being continued—it is being elevated by students who lead with purpose, serve with heart, and inspire others to follow.
