MARIETTA, OHIO — The Alpha Rho Gamma chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) at Washington State College of Ohio (WSCO) continues to demonstrate a strong commitment to academic excellence, leadership, and service. Despite this being a rebuilding year for the chapter, members earned prestigious state and national recognition while continuing to make a meaningful impact on both campus and throughout the community.
PTK is the official honor society for two-year colleges, recognizing academic achievement while providing students with opportunities to develop leadership skills, participate in service projects, and prepare for future academic and professional success.
For the past 17 years, Brad Merritt has served as the dedicated Chapter Advisor for WSCO’s Alpha Rho Gamma chapter. Following the graduation of longtime chapter president Stacy Jarvis and several key officers, this year marked an opportunity to rebuild and develop a new generation of student leaders.
“Every chapter experiences periods of transition,” said Merritt. “What has impressed me most this year is watching our students step into leadership roles with enthusiasm and determination. Their accomplishments demonstrate the strength and resilience of our chapter, and I couldn’t be more proud of what they have achieved.”
Leading the chapter this year was President Tracey Sawtell, whose dedication and commitment to PTK earned her multiple prestigious honors. Sawtell completed both PTK’s Competitive Edge Professional Development Program and the Leadership Development Program, demonstrating her commitment to personal and professional growth. She was also inducted into the Order of Athena and was recognized by PTK National Headquarters as a Most Distinguished Chapter Officer.
Rose Mary, the chapter’s Vice President of Service, also played a significant role in the chapter’s success by leading Alpha Rho Gamma’s participation in last fall’s Non-Profit Challenge. Working alongside 22 other nonprofit organizations throughout Southeastern Ohio, the chapter helped collect food for fourteen local food pantries, making a meaningful impact on families across the region. The chapter looks forward to filling its remaining officer positions during the upcoming fall semester.
This year also marked a historic milestone for Alpha Rho Gamma in the All-Ohio Academic Team competition. For the first time in chapter history, two WSCO students earned first-place honors. Tracey Sawtell and Jocelyn Erb were both recognized with first-place awards, while Rose Mary earned second place and Sara Strahler received third place.
The All-Ohio Academic Team scholarship application process is highly competitive and recognizes students who excel academically while demonstrating leadership and community service. Merritt praised the accomplishments of all four recipients. “The All-Ohio Academic Team application process requires an incredible amount of dedication and hard work,” Merritt said. “I am extremely proud of Tracey, Jocelyn, Rose Mary, and Sara for earning this recognition. Their success is a testament to their commitment both inside and outside the classroom.”
Continuing its tradition of community service, Alpha Rho Gamma is currently leading a chapter project focused on addressing food insecurity among veterans throughout the region. As part of this initiative, the chapter will host the Ohio Regional PTK Fall Leadership Conference at WSCO this October. The conference will focus on raising awareness and collecting donations to help provide food for veterans in need across Southeastern Ohio. In addition, Alpha Rho Gamma was recognized as a 5-Star Chapter for the 14th consecutive year, PTK’s highest chapter designation, reflecting its continued excellence in leadership, scholarship, service, and fellowship.
As Alpha Rho Gamma looks ahead to another successful year, the chapter proudly welcomed the newest members inducted into PTK:
Christopher Carpenter
Jeffrey Douglass
Jocelyn Erb
Chase Kincaid
Jordan Kinney
Sophia Linscott
Paige Lockhart
Rose Mary
Corey Moore
Remington Roth
Tracey Sawtell
Angela Stahl
Sara Strahler
Taylor Watson
Roger Winebrenner
Cami Winnell
The chapter also welcomed Greg Mitchell as an Honorary Member in recognition of his support of PTK and its mission. The chapter also presented its Alumna Award to Jennifer Wright.
If you would like to learn more about WSCO’s Alpha Rho Gamma chapter of PTK, please contact Chapter Advisor Brad Merritt at bmerritt@wscc.edu.
