The American Samoa Community College (ASCC) chapter of the prestigious Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honors Society has inducted its new members for the fall 2009 semester. With chapters at community and junior colleges across the United States and its territories, Phi Theta Kappa recognizes and encourages excellence in scholarship among associate degree students. The Greek words Phi Theta Kappa mean wisdom (Phi), aspiration (Theta) and purity (Kappa).  The society bases its programs on its four hallmarks: scholarship, leadership, service and fellowship.

The society provides more than $35 million worth of scholarships annually to students nationwide. Each member is automatically nominated for inclusion in the prestigious National Dean's List, and is also enrolled in the PTK Transfer Database, which links senior institutions across the nation offering scholarships to PTK members.

At ASCC, PTK nominees must have taken at least 12 credits, passed their English 150, English 151 and Math 90 classes, and have earned a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher.  Qualifying students receive an invitation to join PTK, and most of those invited readily accept the offer.

While the PTK typically holds its induction ceremony during the evening, during the current semester a number of activities related to tsunami relief have meant additional time commitments on the part of the College's faculty, staff and students. Therefore, finding a time and location for an evening ceremony proved difficult, and would have meant a delay of at least several weeks. Rather than wait till late in the semester, the PTK members and advisors decided to hold their ceremony during the day. "We regret that some family and friends couldn't attend the daytime induction," said social science instructor and PTK advisor Elvis Zodiacal, "but a surprising number of parents and other well wishers did make it that day to support the inductees. By next semester, we should be able to resume holding our ceremony in the evenings."

Every semester, Zodiacal and his fellow PTK advisors Tafa Tupuola, Mark Mageo, Randall Baker, Evile Feleti and Jim Sutherland review the ASCC Dean's List and other relevant data to determine which students qualify for the membership in the Society. For fall 2009, the PTK welcomes new members Sophia A'asa, Isaako Amosa, Radhika Anandan, Joyce Auau, Estefania Duterte, Charis Fa'alogo, Tautalatasi Fanolua, Fiamama I'atala, Chrystabel Lin, Judy Matautia, Steven Maez, Farahola Ongosia, Persophine Reid, Evailaufaumalu Sala, Tammie Talalemotu, Gloria Tavita, Johnathan Toma, Natalie Tuiletufuga, Ramiah Vaoali'i and Salome Vole.

The fall inductees join current PTK members Leotina Aetonu, Tikeri N. Afalava, Mac Aveina, Susie Casem, Bodonirina Crook, Talaleu Fanene, Amber Fuaga, Yieje Lee,