PTK

HCC Earns National and Regional Honors at Phi Theta Kappa Catalyst Conference

Hagerstown Community College proudly announces that its Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Pi Theta Chapter recently received numerous prestigious awards and recognitions at the 2026 PTK Catalyst Conference, held in Baltimore. These honors highlight the chapter’s excellence in scholarship, leadership, fellowship, and service at both national and regional levels.

At the international level, the Pi Theta Chapter was named a Top 100 Chapter, placing it among the top-performing chapters out of approximately 1,300 worldwide in Phi Theta Kappa. This distinction reflects the chapter’s sustained commitment to academic achievement, leadership development, and community engagement.

HCC student Charlie Burgos was awarded the highly competitive Guistwhite Scholarship, which provides up to $5,000 to support baccalaureate studies. The scholarship recognizes PTK members who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and active participation in chapter programs.

Student Dania Asif earned the Distinguished Member Award, recognizing exceptional dedication to scholarship, leadership, and service, one of the highest honors presented at the annual Catalyst conference.

At the regional level, the Pi Theta Chapter and its advisors were also widely recognized during the Middle States Regional Conference. The chapter’s advising team Dawn Schoenenberger, Jess Baker, Kristin Johnson, Dr. Stacy Reikowsky, and Alicia Drumgoole received the Horizon Award, honoring advisors who have made significant contributions within their first four years of service.

The chapter’s academic and service initiatives earned multiple accolades, including the Honors in Action Theme Award for Theme 2: “Perspectives Shape Stories,” as well as the overall Honors in Action Award. Their award-winning project, Stories in Motion: Alternative Therapies, demonstrated exceptional undergraduate research and community-focused problem solving.

In addition, the Pi Theta Chapter received the College Project Award for its initiative, Voices in Motion: Creating Community, which showcased impactful collaboration with college administration to support institutional goals and foster campus engagement.

Individual honors were also awarded to chapter advisors and student leaders. Kristin Johnson received the Paragon Award for New Advisors, while Jess Baker was named a Distinguished Advisor. Students Charlie Burgos, Dania Asif, and Faith Ngwa were inducted into the Chapter Officer Hall of Honor, recognizing their leadership and lasting contributions to the organization.

The chapter was further recognized as part of the 2026 Middle States Region Legends, an honor celebrating chapters that excel in service, leadership, and community impact.

In a special highlight of the conference, PTK Chapter President Faith Ngwa and advisor Kristin Johnson were invited to meet Wes Moore at an exclusive PTK event, underscoring the chapter’s prominence and influence.

For more information about Phi Theta Kappa at Hagerstown Community College, please visit the PTK LibGuide.

(March 30, 2026)