PTK academic achievements

Four Butler students were honored Thursday, Feb. 17, during the sixteenth annual Phi Theta Kappa honors luncheon.

The occasion was held at the Ramada Inn in Topeka and recognized students who were chosen for the 2010-2011 all-Kansas Academic Team.

Butler President Jackie Vietti accompanied Myjaeda Ballard, Wichita sophomore, Elizabeth Tallman, Whitewater sophomore, Brittany Rieschick, Augusta sophomore and Lauren Madding, Wichita sophomore to the event.

The students were recognized by Kansas Governor Sam Brown back for their numerous admirable academic achievements.

Along with bragging rights, these outstanding Grizzlies received a proclamation issued by the governor, an educational stipend to the students' college of choice, along with an impressive academic medallion.

The team is sponsored by the headquarters of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society, the Kansas Association of Community College Trustees and the Kansas Council of Community College Presidents.

First surfacing in 1994, the State Academic teams were launched in an a successful attempt to give credit to PTK members and promote students who shine academically at two year schools.

Each recipient of the award is selected by his or her community college for the annual team and is a nominee for the 2010 USA academic team.

Ballard participated in the Multi-cultural club and honor society in high school, along with being in the top 10 percent of her graduating class.

She was acknowledged at the luncheon for being a Phi Theta Kappa member, vice president of Student Government, AmeriCorps campus compact program and for being a volunteer/facilitator for the sisterhood of Caring Ladies Assisting Students to Succeed.

After she graduates from Butler her plans include transferring to Newman University where she will major in communications.

Tallman participated in orchestra, FFA and journalism/photojournalism while in high school, along with competing at State journalism Quill. She lettered in Journalism, orchestra and academics.

Tallman was recognized at the luncheon for currently holding a 3.84 GPA, is Vice President of Phi Theta Kappa and Emerging Professionals at Butler, Campus Crusade for Christ member and is also a recipient of the Outstanding Leader award.

After graduating from Butler, she plans to transfer to Newman University to complete her Bachelor's of Nursing degree.

While in high school, Rieschick participated in numerous activities including Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Volleyball, Student Council, dance team manager, mission group, bowling, french club, tennis manager, tennis, golf, Students Against Destructive Decisions, prom committee and math relays.

Rieschick was also recognized for several college achievements at the luncheon. She is a Phi Theta Kappa member, Grizzly Ambassador public relations chair, Emerging Professionals of Butler member, athletic academic tutor, Grizzly leadership academy participant and leadership summit participant, with a 3.54 GPA.

Upon graduation from Butler, she plans to transfer to the University of Kansas, where she will work to become a pharmacist.

Madding was also very successful while in high school. She was on the honor roll, was the French club president,and voted "most likely to be rich."

At the luncheon, Madding was recognized for being president of Student

Government Association BOA, Phi Theta Kappa member, secretary/treasurer of Emerging Professionals at Butler, a Grizzly growler member, an English tutor for high school foreign exchange students and holding an impressive 3.68 GPA.

"I felt really honored when I found out that Butler had chosen me to be a representative on part of the All-Kansas Academic team. I was also excited because I knew that this award was going to open up many opportunities for me to advance my education and meet new people, both of which I am passionate about." Madding said.

When her successful days as a Grizzly are done, Madding plans on transferring to Wichita State University, where she will work towards her Master's degree in Business.