Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society – Beta Theta Omicron (BΘO) Skyline Chapter is part of the Nevada/California PTK Region. BΘO is one of over 90 chapters in the region. On March 20 and 21, the spring regional conference was held in Pomona, California.
A variety of activities are held during the regional spring leadership conference. Aside from the educational forums, active chapters are recognized for their work over the previous year, and elections for the new regional officer team are held. This year, BΘO’s VP of Honor in Action, Sahil Niwas, presented an educational forum on healthcare, and BΘO members Arthur Veloso, Florence Thwe, and Jerry Hnin ran for regional officer positions.
Following the educational forums, officer candidates presented a 3-minute research speech and presented themselves in a 5-minute caucus interview. Elections are performed electronically through a chapter voting delegate, each chapter can cast one vote for each position. Florence Thwe and Jerry Hnin were elected as new regional officers, as Vice President of the Northwest District and Vice President of Communication respectively.
During the awards ceremony, the Beta Theta Omicron chapter was praised for participating in all seven regional projects, and the chapter received ten regional awards. This year, the Skyline chapter received six individual awards. Kaileiani Louie received the Poetry Award for the poem “Collateral Damage.” May Myat Chel Myint was named the second most distinguished chapter member. Lasheana Dilian Husni was named the Nevada/California PTK region’s second most distinguished chapter officer. The Nevada/California Regional Alumni Association presented Jerry Hnin with the Salvatore Addotta Award of Distinction. Thanh Nguyen and Dr. Susanne Schubert were named the most distinguished advisor team in the region. And Dr. Schubert received the award for 3rd most distinguished Paragon Advisor. The Beta Theta Omicron chapter, and especially the entire officer team, was awarded: the Most Distinguished Honors in Action Theme 3 – Systems of Play – Award, the 2nd Most Distinguished Honors in Action Award, the 3rd Most Distinguished Chapter in the Nevada/California region, and the 2nd Most Distinguished Chapter Officer Team Award.
PTK Leadership Conferences and campaign activities provide excellent opportunities for students to develop as leaders and practice a multitude of professional skills.
Jerry Hnin reflected on his PTK journey so far: “Ohana means family, and family never gets behind or forgotten. PTK is the second family that I picked up along my life, which always supports me to grow as a leader as well as to become a well-rounded person.”
Florence Thwe reflected on the campaign experience:“What an amazing journey and experience. … I’ve gained public speaking skills, networking skills and communication skills by campaigning, giving a speech and connecting with a lot of people…”
Arthur Veloso reflected on the experience: “I have never had the opportunity to leave my campus before, and I can say that this experience was by far memorable. For the first time since I came to the U.S., I really feel like a regular student. For the first time, I feel like being an active part of American society.”
