From left are WCHS Seniors Will Petro and Mallorie Stiver, former Warsaw Mayor Jeff Plank, Tri Kappa President Shari Skaggs and WCHS Principal Troy Akers. (Photo provided)

The 50th annual Tri Kappa Honor Reception and awards ceremony was held on April 17 at Warsaw Community High School in the Performing Arts Center. The annual reception recognizes Outstanding Scholastic Achievement by the graduating seniors in the class of 2014.

Approximately 400 students and parents enjoyed a special message by former Warsaw Mayor Jeff Plank who spoke on making a difference in the lives of others.

Tri Kappa is a philanthropic sorority dedicated to promoting charity, culture, and education in the state of Indiana. The Alpha Lambda local chapter supports the community through chapter fundraisers including pumpkin sales, a trunk show and Bingo. Riley Children’s Hospital, the Elementary Art Show, Red Cross and the Beaman Home are just a few of the many organizations it supports.

In 2013, Tri Kappa awarded approximately $13,000 in local scholarships to graduating seniors and college students.

The students were recognized with honor chords, which recognized their academic standing – cum laude, magna cum laude and summa cum laude. Tri Kappa President Shari Skaggs presented certificates.

WCHS also named the Tri Alpha Award recipients, which recognizes the top 5 percent, which is the highest academic award given at WCHS. This award honors students for their academic achievement, contributing to the overall climate of the school through activity involvement and attitude through their eagerness to learn and by enriching the lives of fellow students and faculty. Following the awards ceremony, a dessert reception was provided by Tri Kappa.

Tri Alpha Award recipients were: Emma Bonifield, Grant Carlson, Leanna Chan, Ellis Coon, Robin Cornell, Landen DeGraff, Alexi Demopoulos, Courtney Etchison, Jacqueline Ferguson, Olivia Fisher, Ashlee Fosnaugh, Kathleen Frazetta, Sandra Granda, Derek Grose, Matthew Grothouse, Alexis Hepler, Claire Hickerson, Jessica Hoag, Hannah Kline, Tristan McClone, Alexis Ostrom, Grace Robison, Tara Rusinack, Melissa Sanchez, Aaron Secaur, Brandon Shipp, Bryce Smith and Marie West.