March 23, 2025 – At the recent Texas annual meeting of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the two-year college honor society, the PTK Beta Zeta Chapter at Paris Junior College garnered several awards: Five-Star Chapter Award, College Project Award of Merit, the Outstanding Officer Award, and recognition of PJC President Dr. Stephen Benson.
PJC received the Award of Merit – College Project for its Meal Train initiative. The project was created last year by PTK member Allison Warren when she learned of students who had to stay in the dorms over Winter Break and lacked transportation to shop for food. Beta Zeta earned recognition for rallying the college community to provide one hot meal a day to those dorm students unable to go home over the 2024-2025 Winter Break. This project is a finalist for national recognition.
Beta Zeta was also recognized as a Five Star Chapter, the highest distinction in PTK’s Five Star Chapter Plan, which encourages engagement in regional and international PTK programs.
PTK Chapter President Christopher Withrow was presented with the Outstanding Officer Award in recognition for his leadership in the State of Texas. He is now a finalist for national officer recognition.
“I greatly appreciate the recognition for the work that it takes to be a chapter officer,” said Withrow. “To be named as an officer worthy of PTK’s Hall of Honor is validation of the dedication it has taken to maintain our status as a Five Star Chapter, and I’m proud to receive that honor.”
Finally, Dr. Benson was inducted into the Texas Hall of Honor for New Presidents for the Texas Region of Phi Theta Kappa for his support of the Beta Zeta chapter.
“These awards are a testament to the dedication of our students, leadership and campus community,” said PJC Director of Student Life and PTK Chapter Advisor Kenneth Webb. “We are so proud of our PTK members and their continued commitment to scholarship, leadership, and service.”
In addition to his officer award, Withrow got more good news when he learned he was named a 2025 Coca-Cola Academic Team Gold Scholar and will receive a $1,500 scholarship. He will be recognized internationally during Phi Theta Kappa’s annual convention, PTK Catalyst, in Kansas City, Missouri, April 3-5.
“The Coca-Cola scholarship was a great surprise,” Withrow said. “I am appreciative of the help that the scholarship provides toward my academic endeavors, but I am more humbled that I was chosen to receive it. The gold scholarship is a merit-based award, and to be chosen from amongst my peers, all of whom are equally qualified and deserving, is a wonderful blessing.”
The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation sponsors the Coca-Cola Academic Team program by recognizing 50 Gold, 50 Silver, and 50 Bronze Scholars with nearly $200,000 in scholarships annually. Each scholar also receives a commemorative medallion.
“The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation has a long history of providing financial assistance to outstanding students at community colleges,” said Jane Hale Hopkins, President of the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation. “We are proud to partner with Phi Theta Kappa to make it possible for more deserving students to achieve their educational goals and support tomorrow’s global community leaders.”
Students are nominated for the academic team by their college administrators. Selection is based on academic achievement, leadership, and engagement in college and community service.
Phi Theta Kappa is the premier honor society recognizing academic achievement among students at two-year colleges. Through leadership development, service projects, and scholarly activities, PTK members gain valuable experience that helps them succeed in their academic and professional careers.
Paris Junior College — located in Paris, Texas, about 100 miles northeast of Dallas — has been a part of the Lamar County community since 1924.
Paris Junior College offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well as Certificates of Proficiency in technical/workforce fields. The college has expanded its academic curriculum through the years to encourage associate degree and university transfer candidates. Since establishing its first vocational program — jewelry and watchmaking in 1942 — the college has been aggressive in adding technical/workforce programs that will benefit students entering the workforce.
The campus of 54 tree-shaded acres includes 20 major buildings and residence halls and provides students a unique and pleasant environment for learning.
Paris Junior College also operates centers in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and in Greenville, Texas.
Vision
To be the educational provider of choice for the region.
Mission
Paris Junior College is a comprehensive community college serving the region’s educational and training needs while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of our diverse community.
