College News

Barton PTK Honor Society students brighten May Day for area assisted-living residents

students holding paper baskets they made
Barton’s Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society members hold up “May Day” baskets they put together Tuesday on the Barton Campus to give to assisted-living residents from around the area.

May 1, 2024
Story and photo by Joe Vinduska

As members of the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society, Barton students have the opportunity to celebrate their academic achievements, but they also spend their time volunteering and finding ways to help others and this “May Day,” they did just that by preparing “May Day” baskets for those who could benefit from the uplifting tradition.

Barton County Campus PTK Sponsor Kurt Konda said the tradition of giving “May Day” baskets has been part of the group’s yearly activities for many years.

“We choose to continue the project because it addresses both Barton’s core priority to cultivate community engagement, and PTK’s Star Chapter Program, which encourages each chapter to engage in a community outreach project,” he said. “We know that it’s a small gesture, but we know sometimes that’s all it takes to make someone’s day better.”

PTK is the international honor society for two-year colleges and symbolizes excellence in higher education.  Students with a GPA of 3.5 or higher are invited to join PTK. The PTK group at Barton spends significant time sponsoring local events as well as volunteering to support others’ events.