AAT Co-hosts Magical Release Party

Prepared by: Andy Davis

For Release: 7/21/2007

Magical Release Party a Success at Cecil College

Cecil (Community) College’s Barnes and Nobles bookstore and the Alpha Alpha Theta (AAT) Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa International Honors Society co-hosted a Magical Release Party for the new and final Harry Potter book The Deathly Hallows on Friday, July 20th from 6 PM until 1 AM in the Technology Building at the North East Campus. Guests were sorted into their houses as they came down the steps through the platform 9 ¾ barrier which was made by the Kids in Kollege Harry Potter class taught by Lauren Anguish. After sorting, they were invited to join in activities that included: coloring pictures of the Hogwarts characters, making Potter glasses using pipe cleaners, having their picture taken with a cutout of Harry from the new book, taking a herbology lesson where they made terrariums using recycled bottles and plant clippings, participate in a trivia challenge held by the potions master, and a Potter character look-a-like contest. All four Harry Potter movies were shown in two locations during the event and there was even an area with “Food for Muggles”.

The idea for co-hosting the part came about when the bookstores manager, Kathy Burris approached AAT Chapter President, Andy Davis and asked him if the chapter would be interested in the event. Mr. Davis took the idea to the chapter officers who all voted in favor to help. The first event of its kind for the campus bookstore, the Magical Release Party was a success, selling 50 books between midnight and 1:15 AM. Miss Burris was very pleased with the success of the event that brought out approximately 100 guests and Cecil faculty and staff. AAT members Andy Davis; Tonya Dean-Catlett, Vice-President of Service; Teresa Malin, Recording Officer; Laura Styles, Prospective Officer; Kenneth Chege, Vice President of Leadership; Amanda Shertz, former Vice-President of Scholarship, and Chris Jackson were joined by AAT alumni Sarah Kraus, former Chapter President; and Arial Woodworth, former Vice-President of Service, as well as by Chapter Advisors Jane Sharrow and Gail Wyant.

Both the bookstore and AAT have been receiving very positive feedback regarding the event. Those who attended the event had an enjoyable evening and were pleased to get their copy of the much anticipated 7th year book during a midnight release. Several customers were even reading the book in groups while sitting in the hall outside of the bookstore while others were still lined up to get their copy.

The bookstore and AAT would like to thank everyone who attended the party and helped to make it the success event that it was.

AAT Donates Tree in Memory of Lady Bird Johnson

For Release: 7/21/2007

Prepared by: Tonya J. Dean-Catlett

For Release: 7/21/2007

Subject: Cecil College's Honor Society Donates Tree in Memory of Lady Bird Johnson

On Monday, July 16th, Cecil College´s Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) International Honors Society chapter, Alpha Alpha Theta (AAT) planted a tree in North East Town Community Park. The members of AAT have named the red maple tree "Lady Bird" in memory of Former First-Lady, Mrs. Lady Bird Johnson, who recently passed away. Members: Tonya J. Dean-Catlett, Vice President of Service; Laura Styles, Jane R. Sharrow, Chapter Advisor, and Tonya's husband, Ross Catlett, held a small dedication ceremony at 9:00 AM at the site where the tree was planted. Tonya gave a short speech about Mrs. Johnson, wife of Former President, Lyndon B. Johnson, her beautification efforts, and other work with "Keep America Beautiful".

Phi Theta Kappa, International Honor Society for the Two Year College, located in Jackson, MS, challenges its members to take meaningful action in a new service project every two years. "Keep America Beautiful" is the PTK International Service Project for 2006-2008, to educate the community regarding the issues of pollution, vandalism, graffiti, recycling in the community, and the beautification of the world we live in.

AAT Attends International Convention in Wheaton, IL

Chapter Peasident, Andy Davis, and Vice-President of Service, Tonya Dean-Catlett, attended the 40th annual International Honors Institute at Wheaton College in Wheaton, IL (just East of Chicago). During this event, Andy and Tonya heard from speakers on various topics of the honor study topic, "Gold, Gods, and Glory: The Global Dynamics of Power", and networked with Phi Theta Kappans from around the world. They shared ideas and got ideas, from others attending, on scholarship projects for the honor study topic, service projects, and learned valuable leadership skills. Andy and Tonya were also able to spend a day in Chicago with their fellow Kappans. During their Chicago Day, Andy met up with a fellow participant of the 2006 International Honors Institute in Newark, DE that he also attended. He introduced his new Kappan friends to her and they six of them shared fellowship over some real Chicago style deep-dish Pizza.
From left to right: Chris West (Greenville, NC), Andy Davis (Charlestown, MD), Keyla Torres (Chicago, IL), Tonya Dean-Catlett (a.k.a. Smurfette) (North East, MD), Erin Tieman (a.k.a. Furby) (Harrisburg, PA), Jayson Quilantan (La Junta, CO)

The International Honors is the capstone of the Phi Theta Kappa experience. Meeting other Kappans and sharing ideas help to build the possibility for chapter success and new friendships that can last a lifetime. It is surely an event to be experienced by all Kappans, at least once.


AAt also attended the Middle States Regional Officers Academy and Honors Institute at Trinity College in Washington D.C. just one week before the International Honors Institute.