Fall 2001
Dear Friends,
In all that has changed since September 11, we take comfort in those things that have remained constant and true. We search for ways to ease the pain of others and our own.
This past September, thousands of Phi Theta Kappa members answered our nation's call for leadership … ordinary people accomplishing extraordinary things. Phi Theta Kappa members immediately set up thousands of campus blood drives, raised thousands of dollars for the September 11 Relief Fund, and held community forums on tolerance. On Founder's Day, chapters conducted fundraising activities to provide funds for rebuilding the Borough of Manhattan Community College, home of our Alpha Kappa chapter, located just a few blocks from Ground Zero.
Life altering events, like September 11, cause us to reassess priorities and reflect on those things that bring value to our lives and the lives of others. This past year we launched our Leaders of Promise Scholarship Program to provide financial assistance to new members and to facilitate their assuming leadership roles in Phi Theta Kappa. Below is a copy of a letter from Thea Griffith, one of our first scholarship recipients. Through her words, we hope you will understand the importance of the Leaders of Promise program. Won't you please consider providing a gift to Phi Theta Kappa so that we can provide assistance to more than 10 students a year? The need is so great and the funds clearly make a difference in the lives of others.
Sincerely,
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K e y V i s i o n P o s t S c r i p t
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Re: Leaders of Promise Scholarship award November 20, 2001 Mr. Rod A. Risley Dear Ms. Sinclair, Mr. Risley, and whom it may concern, At the risk of breaking "protocol" concerning scholarship awards, I thought Thanksgiving would be the perfect time to let you know how grateful I am that you selected me as one of the Leaders of Promise award recipients! Thanksgiving for us means to spend time remembering all the gifts God has blessed us with, and the scholarship award is certainly one of those gifts I am thankful for this year! Financially, times are difficult for my little boy and myself, but we push on, knowing that a few years down the road, when I've finished my schooling, it will all have been worth it. I have some pretty high educational goals, but ones that I believe are necessary to achieve my long-range goals of setting up practice in the area I currently live in and working with non-profit agencies to obtain grants to work with children in the area who need help but can't afford it. I believe this will best be served by my attendance at a very reputable school (Washington University in St. Louis) that is highly recognized for its academic achievement. With degrees from a school like this, I will be able to obtain the grants needed to help St. Francois and Iron Counties, where I currently live. The Leaders of Promise Scholarship will help me achieve these goals and has "boosted" me tremendously! I do try to "stretch myself" intellectually in my schooling and take as many classes as I can, trying to remain focused on getting the best schooling I can, rather than the cost. This can be very expensive, but I feel it's worth it. With help from organizations like yours, I believe I can attain my goals, and in doing so, you will become a part of that success through your support, and it is a part that I won't forget. Thank you again for this honor. If it is not "proper" to thank those who award scholarships, then I ask your forgiveness, but in case you would like to know how I am doing and have benefited from the award, I will keep in touch from time to time, as time permits. I am currently the President of the Lambda Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, and ran for Regional Vice President as well. I am very active with Phi Theta Kappa and love helping our chapter along the road to exploring all the Hallmarks, Honors Topic programs, and the International Service project. I am taking 17 hours this semester, and believe I will still be able to keep a 4.0 grade point average, as well as, spur on our chapter to be more active and involved with our college and community. I am enjoying school so much, and am learning so much. I am so grateful for this opportunity to go to school, and for the support from scholarships like yours that will help me be able to continue. Thank you again, and have a very happy Thanksgiving, filled with blessings to be thankful for! Gratefully, Thea R. L. Griffith |
