The Psi Omicron Chapter of Kappa Delta Pi (KDP), an international education honor society, inducted seven new members on November 5, 2023.
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.
Katelynn Morris, President, shared the values of Excellence, Integrity, and Expertise. Megan Rey, Vice President, presented Equity, Diversity, and Empathy. Jessica Reinartz, Treasurer, explained the KDP motto of Knowledge, Duty, and Power. Kera Skove, Recruitment Chair, asked new inductees to pledge to uphold Knowledge and continued education. Kylah Hardy, Historian, asked inductees to resolve themselves to the Duty of service. Katelynn Morris defined Power as the obligation to influence society for the benefit of all. 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.
Jessica Reinartz presented the candidates for induction. The pinning 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 Dr. Valerie Valdez, Assistant Professor of Education, recalled her experiences as an intern teacher, the challenges she faced and overcame, and the guidance and inspiration of her mentor teacher. Megan Rey thanked her for her insightful presentation.
Dr. Kobett delivered the closing remarks congratulating the new inductees, thanking Mrs. Lutz and the officers, and recognizing family and friends in attendance who supported the new inductees. Congratulations to the inductees and their families, and welcome to KDP!
Inductees: Germayony Alcaraz, Makena Bauer, Ashley Clous, Joy Lee, Ashlee Payton, Kristina Ramnath, Justice Simpson
Current Members: Emilie Balius, Lauren Banks, Claire Broadhead, Tess Karas, Megan Tignnor, Jarrett Urban
Executive Officers: Katelynn Morris, President; Megan Rey, Vice President; Marissa Dang, Secretary; Jessica Reinartz, Treasurer; Kera Skove, Recruitment Chair; Talaya Brown, Professional Development Chair; Kylah Hardy, Historian