The Honors Program at Piedmont Technical College Inducts First Class

The Honors Program at Piedmont Technical College recently inducted its first class of students who will be seeking an Associate in Arts or an Associate in Science degree beginning with the fall 2014 semester.

“The Piedmont Technical College Honors Program was established to provide an innovative academic challenge for outstanding students,” said Kathryn Brackett, honors program director. “We are so happy to welcome this first group of students to begin this journey.”

The Honors Program is a rigorous academic program for high scholar students who are interested in having a challenge in the classroom and beyond. Students will be enrolled in special honors-level classes in philosophy, English, history, chemistry, psychology and math. Students will broaden their horizons with travel opportunities in the United States and abroad and will participate in service learning projects in their communities.

Dr. Ray Brooks, president of Piedmont Tech, presented the keynote address. He challenged the students to become leaders in the college and the community.

“Your harshest critic is always going to be yourself and if it’s not, then you are not being an effective leader,” Brooks said. “I’m never satisfied with what I do. It’s never good enough, I always want to improve and I want to learn every day.”

The students said they were excited to begin classes and were looking forward to the challenges.

“This is great opportunity for us,” said Megan Strutko, of Greenwood. “The program will open so many doors for those of us who plan to transfer to a four-year university.”

“As an older student who didn’t get good grades in high school, I’m more focused now” said Susan Wienshienk, of Chappells. “This program will challenge me to be a better student and help me to set a good example for my son on how important an education is.”

For more information on the Honors Program, contact Brackett at (864) 941-8451 or brackett.k@ptc.edu.

Photo Caption: The Honors Program at Piedmont Technical College recently inducted its first class of students who will be seeking an Associate in Arts or an Associate in Science degree beginning with the fall 2014 semester. Inductees and advisors were, front from left, Kathryn Brackett, Honors Program director; Serena Bennett of Greenwood; Toby Boster of Newberry; Garrett Brazzell of Greenwood; Ansley Cromer of Greenwood; and Evelyn Beck, AA/AS transfer coordinator. Second, Rossana Cubillan of Greenwood; Wilda Hylton of Greenwood; Ariel King of Lincolnton, Ga.; and Ashley Owens of Saluda. Back, Todd Raugh of Greenwood; Megan Strutko of Greenwood; and Susan Wienshienk of Chappells.