Students recognized for the Tri Alpha award.

By MEGAN STONE

The 51st annual Tri Kappa Honor Reception and awards ceremony was held at Warsaw Community High School in the Performing Arts Center on Saturday, April 23.

The annual reception recognizes the outstanding scholastic achievement by the graduating seniors in the class of 2015. Over 300 students and guests enjoyed a special address by keynote speakers Lorinda Kline and Mason Metzger. The duo shared a dynamic message of encouragement to the upcoming graduates emphasizing that we are all leaders because we all have the ability to make an impact with our unique contributions, gifts and talents.

Kline challenged students to “live beyond your resume, grow your character intentionally and aspire to leave the world a better place than you found it”. Metzger shared his mission to be a shining light to the world and reminded students that we all have challenges but we also all have abilities and purpose. Our greatest weakness can be a window to help others.

The 135 seniors invited were awarded with honor chords, which recognized their academic standing of 9.7 and above, cum laude, magna cum laude and summa cum laude.

Tri Kappa President, Shari Skaggs presented certificates and WCHS also named the Tri Alpha awards.

The Tri Alpha award recognizes students who are selected by their teachers to demonstrate the three qualities valued by Warsaw Community High School faculty. These include academics, contributing to the overall climate of the school by participating in activities outside of the classroom and displaying an eagerness for learning that goes beyond the assigned material and enriches the minds of fellow students and faculty. This is the highest award given at WCHS.

Pictured at the Tri Kappa Honor Reception, from left, are Principal Troy Akers, Danielle Straits, Lorinda Kline, Mason Metzger, Shari Skaggs, Brandon Eckert and Hannah Thompson. Straits, Eckert and Thompson were three of the 135 students recognized.

Following the awards ceremony, a dessert reception was provided and served by Tri Kappa members. The committee included Carla Milliman, Megan Stone, Lori Deeds, Lauren Sciarra, Kassi Rowland and Kristi Howell. Tri Kappa is a philanthropic sorority dedicated to promoting charity, culture and education in Indiana. The Alpha Lambda local chapter supports the community through its fundraisers, Tri Kappa pumpkins and Bingo. Tri Kappa supports many organizations including Riley Hospital for Children, Boomerang Backpacks, Beaman Home, Fellowship Missions, Red Cross and more.

A full list of winners can be found here.

In 2014, Tri Kappa awarded over $14,000 in local scholarships to graduating seniors and college students.