The Psi Omicron Chapter of Kappa Delta Pi (KDP), an international education honor society, inducted five new members and two honorary members on March 6, 2024.
The ceremony began with a welcome by faculty counselor, Mrs. Barbara Lutz, who also introduced the Executive Officers. She stated the mission of the chapter to reaffirm the ideals of the organization and initiate new members committed to a lifetime of educational excellence. The induction ceremony celebrates the achievements of new members and charges them with accepting the duties and responsibilities of this recognition. The officers shared the values of KDP, the meaning of these beliefs, and the actions that reflect the principles of the society. After each principle was stated, inductees affirmed their acceptance by saying “I do” and the officer lit a candle to represent their commitment to the principle.
The pinning of the inductees was done by Mrs. Lutz and Dr. Beth Kobett, Dean of the School of Education. Katelynn Morris then declared each inductee a member of KDP. Following the pinning, guest speaker and honorary inductee, Dr. David Nicholson, Professor of Education, recalled his experiences as a student and beginning teacher. He closed by reminding all KDP members that words matter and we never know what we say that a student will remember for the rest of their lives.
Dr. Kobett delivered the closing remarks congratulating the new inductees, thanking Mrs. Lutz and the officers, and recognizing family and friends who support the new inductees. “We are thrilled to continue to build a thriving community, filled with excellent teacher candidates and pre-service teachers,” said President of the KDP chapter, Katelynn Morris. Vice President, Megan Rey, added, “Induction is a special way to welcome new members and honorary members of the KDP Psi Omicron Chapter. Officer Kylah Hardy remarked, “I was ecstatic about inducting new members into KDP, it is always a thrill to see KDP continue to grow.” Officer Jessica Reinartz stated, “We are honored to welcome the new members of KDP at our induction ceremony. We look forward to working with these dedicated individuals in upholding our KDP principles.”
Congratulations to the inductees and their families, and welcome to KDP!
Executive Officers: Katelynn Morris, President; Megan Rey, Vice President; Marissa Dang, Secretary; Jessica Reinartz, Treasurer; Kera Skove, Recruitment Chair; Kylah Hardy, Historian and Professional Development Chair
Members: Germayony Alcaraz, Lauren Banks, Makena Bauer, Ashley Clous, Holly Greaver, Joy Lee, Ashlee Payton, Kristina Ramnath, Justice Simpson, Megan Tignnor, Jarrett Urban
Inductees: Claire Fairman, Abby Franklin, Maggie Greenwell, Alyssa Boyer, Jennifer Fink
Honorary Inductees: Dr. David Nicholson, Dr. Valerie Valdez