Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) is recognized by the American Association of Community and Junior Colleges as the official honor society of two-year colleges. To achieve eligibility for PTK, a student must complete at least 12 hours of associate’s degree course work, earn a grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 or higher and adhere to the standards of the Society. Throughout their enrollment, they must maintain high academic standing, generally a 3.25 GPA. About 125,000 students are inducted into Phi Theta Kappa each year.

The PTK chapter at Tunxis provides opportunities for leadership, college and community service, exchange of ideas and ideals, scholarly fellowship, and academic excellence.

Established in 1918, Phi Theta Kappa is the largest honor society in higher education, with 1,275 chapters in each of the 50 states, Canada, Germany, the Republic of Palau, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, the British Virgin Islands, the United Arab Emirates and U.S. territorial possessions. More than two million students have been inducted since its founding.

The 54 new members of PTK, listed by towns of residence are:

Avon

Jose DelAguila

Muhammad Iftikhar

Alizabeth Toth

Berlin

Lauren Casasanta

Samantha Hall

Matthew Machowski

Caitlin Winslow

Bristol

Elysee Badio

Fatoumata Bah

Susan Baxter

Susan Everett

Melissa Hoebel

Cynthia Jendrejcak

Sadia Seyal

Holly Yeske

Burlington

Adam Martin

Cheshire

Sofia Martone

Joseph Persio

Emily Reinhard

Mette Smith

Hartford

Emily Cipes

Meriden

Michael Reardon

Middletown

Stacey Sadicario

New Britain

Lisa Abascal

Brian Kery

Monika Kondracki

Michal Pliszka

Ryan Vierira

Greg Zmijewski

New Hartford

Walter David Zitzkat

New Milford

Carol Hackett

Newington

Wilson Pelaez

Brianna Rideout

Plainville

Amy Freeman

Michael Laposky

Justin Levy

Thomas Naples

Plantsville

Samantha Crowley

Simsbury

Ethan Garry

Southington

Jane DeLuca

Marcin Dembrowski

Naomi Lemire

Terryville

Casey Cmiel

Daniel Morin

Thomaston

Meredith Balducci

Torrington

Alessia Assisi

Giuseppe Assisi

Randy Malenfant

Michael Woiten

West Hartford

Eric Corthell

Peter DeHertogh

Shalom Khodabakhshian

West Simsbury

Francine Casalino

Winsted

Deanna Waters

Wolcott

John Carasone

From fine arts, health, and technology to liberal arts & sciences programs, Tunxis offers over 60 associate’s degrees and certificates, providing critical thinking and problem-solving skills that prepare students for transfer to bachelor’s degree programs and employment in areas with industry need. Visit Tunxis on the Internet at www.tunxis.edu.

Valedictorian for the Class of 2012 is Andrea Madison Farrell of Simsbury, who will receive an associate in science degree in business administration and certificates in business administration and marketing management.

Commencement ceremonies will be held rain or shine in the Tunxis courtyard. Tunxis Community College is located at the junction of Routes 6 and 177 in Farmington. For more information, please call 860.255.3500.

From fine arts, business, health, and technology to liberal arts & sciences programs, Tunxis offers over 60 associate’s degrees and certificates, providing critical thinking and problem-solving skills that prepare students for transfer to bachelor’s degree programs and employment in areas with industry need. Over 6,000 students enroll in credit and continuing education programs at Tunxis each semester. For more information, visit the Tunxis website at www.tunxis.edu.

Seating is limited, so registration is required.  Email a.annesi@sbcglobal.net to reserve your spot.

The workshop is designed to help emerging and established writers plan and write their first or next novel. The seminar includes instruction on the dreamstorming technique pioneered by Pulitzer Prize winner Robert Olen Butler, author of “From  Where You Dream.” Includes an in-session writing exercise, handouts and a framework for planning and completing that first or subsequent novel. For best results, bring your current writing project and ideas.

Annesi is an award-winning editor of online content and a book editor specializing in business, the arts and memoir. Formerly a development editor and writer for Scholastic Publishing, Annesi writes columns, reviews and stories for newspapers, magazines, blogs, and literary journals, including Southern Literary Review, where she served as managing editor. Annesi’s “After the Sunflowers” essay is part of the 2011 Clarion Award winning Press Pause Moments: Essays About Life Transitions by Women Writers, and her flash fiction was adapted for the stage by playwright/director Joanne Hudson. She is currently working on a novel and series of short stories set in Italy.

The event will feature eco-minded vendors and exhibitors, food, music and family activities.

Some of the event’s highlights include performances by John Mayock and The Homesteaders, The Green Jazz Band, Tunxis Community College Student Jazz Ensemble, and drumming circles by Power of the Drum

Vendors will sell items such as jewelry, crafts, candles, apparel, handbags, handmade soap, honey, art, and more. A portion of proceeds from these sales will be donated to the Tunxis Community College Sustainable Energy Fund.

Plenty of family activities are planned including face painting, hair extensions, rides on the Roaming Railroad’s electric engine train, and greetings with costumed characters.

For more information including a list of vendors, please visit the Earthstock Connecticut website.  Tunxis Community College is located at the corner of Routes 6 and 177 in Farmington.

Professionals working with young children have the challenging task of talking with parents about sensitive topics such as a child’s health issue, potential developmental delay, or a specific behavior. Presented by Michelle Anderson, coordinator of Family Resource Center in Torrington, this workshop will help early childhood professionals address these difficult topics with families as they gain new communication skills.

The talk is part of activities at Tunxis celebrating the National Association for the Education of Young Children’s (NAEYC) Week of the Young Child, and is sponsored by the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain and Tunxis Community College’s Early Childhood Education program.

Reservations are required. Please contact Carol Richters by April 23 at crichters@txcc.commnet.edu or 860.255.3502.