Ashland Community and Technical College’s honor society held first induction in April

Ashland Community and Technical College’s honor society chapter Alpha Alpha Alpha recently hosted their first induction ceremony into the organization.

Nine faculty and staff and three students were part of the inaugural induction ceremony. There were also an additional eight students and six faculty and staff members were also inducted into the organization but did not attend the ceremony.

The students who were inducted into Alpha Alpha Alpha were Melissa Wilhite-Lemaster, Jessica Slone, Melissa Sparks, Jennifer McWhorter, Nichole McLaughlin, Jennifer Mansour, Audra Jackson, Amanda Humphries, Katlyn Howell, Rhonda Hickman, and Kori Akers.

Alpha Alpha Alpha is an honor society entirely comprised of first-generation college students.

Students who join the organization receive a stole to wear during their commencement ceremony, a pin, and a certificate.

In an article from Ashland Community and Technical College’s website, Megan Horne, who serves as an Alpha Alpha Alpha advisor, spoke at the ceremony and was quoted as saying, “Being first can be hard. Being first can be scary. Being first can be exciting. As part of the first generation in your family to go to college, you are a source of pride and guidance to others.” 

Horne also stated the importance on what becoming a member of the honor society means for each student and their community, saying, “By accepting membership in the Tri-Alpha honor society, you recognize your responsibility to your family and to future generations of first, to finish what you started, to be their compass leading them to their destination when the way seems uncertain, to be their light in darkness, and to support others in their own journeys of ‘firsts.’ By accepting membership in the Tri-Alpha honor society, you accept the obligation of thanking those who paved the way before you, and who made this journey possible for you. By accepting membership in the Tri-Alpha honor society, you accept the responsibility of helping others as you have been helped, or as you perhaps wish you had been helped, to serve as mentors and guides for the next group of students to step foot on a college campus, as the first in their family or circle of friends. By accepting membership in the Tri-Alpha honor society, you have an obligation to take pride in your achievements and share your story, so that others learn of your accomplishments and can share in the joy of your successes.”

Future Alpha Alpha Alpha honor society members will be inducted at another ceremony this fall.

More information about Ashland Community and Technical College can be found at the school’s website.