Alpha Mu Chi, NTCC’s chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, won several awards at the Society’s recent international convention, known as PTK Catalyst. Eleven members traveled to Kansas City to attend the convention. Catalyst 2025 brought thousands of Phi Theta Kappa members, advisors, and supporters together to hear inspiring keynote speakers and celebrate the efforts of chapters from the United States and ten other nations.
Thursday’s opening General Session began with the Parade of Flags, as the various regions of the international Society were introduced. NTCC’s Isabel Tresidder marched with the officer delegation from Texas as an incoming District III Texas Regional Vice-President.
Keynote speakers for the three-day event included Laurie Hernandez, Olympic gold medalist in gymnastics, best-selling author and mental health advocate, who vitalized the audience with her story. Steve Burns, the original Steve from the popular children’s show Blue’s Clues, resonated strongly with the crowd, as many of the members present had watched his show growing up. His meet and greet afterwards garnered strong crowds and was extended due to popular demand. Miguel Cervantes, the longest running Alexander Hamilton on Broadway, entertained the crowd with his inspirational presentation, populated with occasional singing and “Ham-jam” song renditions. Annalise Smith, the Phi Theta Kappa International President, and Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner, Phi Theta Kappa President and CEO also gave inspiring addresses. Coordinating the sessions and introducing the speakers and award categories were the current International Officers. NTCC’s own Monse Rivero-Sanchez was on stage throughout the three-day celebration, serving as the Division II International Vice-President.
General Sessions began with award recognitions. Alpha Mu Chi, NTCC’s chapter, won awards for “Continued Excellence for Advisors” (Dr. Melissa Fulgham), “Distinguished Chapter Member” (Sarah Hamlin), and “Distinguished Chapter Officer Team” (12 members).
Catalyst concluded on Saturday night with the Hallmark Gala. The Gala began with the Parade of Scholars. Members marched representing the chapter’s five Leaders of Promise winners, two Hites Scholarship winners, and the Honors Case Study Challenge. Afterwards, the highly competitive chapter awards were announced. Alpha Mu Chi won for “Distinguished Honors in Action.” They were also singled out as one of the top three chapters within the international Society for “Theme 8: Fables, Folklore, and Fairytales.” Alpha Mu Chi was also recognized as one of the Top 100 chapters within the organization.
Alpha Mu Chi members who attended the event included Alison Majors, Vanessajane Bayna, Mary-Faith Wilson, Emily Hamlin, Skylar Hodson, Araceli Landaverde, Isabel Tresidder, Sarah Dierflinger, Jose Fuentes, Tristan Dierflinger, advisor Melissa Fulgham, and supporters Anna Ingram and Kim Irvin. Monse Rivero-Sanchez served as an International Officer coordinating the event on stage. Making a total of 14 individuals representing NTCC at the international convention.
Check out the chapter’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/alphamuchi/ for more pictures of the smiling moments and excitement as the chapter members marched onstage multiple times for the various award recognitions received. A reel of a few highlights can be seen by clicking here.
