Inducted

Amy Elizabeth Arias was inducted into the Alpha Tau Beta Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa at Sandhills Community College Saturday, Oct. 25.

Arias, majoring in education, is married to Jaysen Arias, of Southern Pines.

Established in 1918 by two-year college presidents, Phi Theta Kappa is the oldest and most prestigious honor society serving two-year colleges around the world. The Society serves to recognize and encourage the academic achievement of two-year college students and provide opportunities for individual growth and development through honors, leadership and service programming.

Students must rank in the top 20 percent of the class to be invited to membership in Phi Theta Kappa and must maintain high academic standing during their enrollment in the two-year college. Phi Theta Kappa is the largest honor society in American higher education with more than 1.7 million members and 1,100 chapters located in 50 United States, United States territories, Canada, and Germany.

In 1929, the American Association of Community Colleges recognized Phi Theta Kappa as the official honor society for two-year colleges. The Society holds membership in the prestigious Association of College Honor Societies as the general scholarship honor society representing two-year colleges.

Drama Wins

The Union Pines Drama Department, headed by 2008-2009 Teacher of the Year Judy Osborne, participated in the North Carolina Theatre Conference Regional Play Festival Nov. 7, and exited stage left with several accolades.

Recognized for Individual Excellence in Acting were Dillon Rice, Kaiti Davis and Meghan Osborne.

Theater Arts awards were bestowed for Best Human Scenery for "Wind of a Thousand Tales," and Best Verbal Sparring was awarded for "Postponing the Heat Death of the Universe."

"Wind of a Thousand Tales" also won the Distinguished Play Award, earning a toal score of 101 out of 104, which advanced the team to the state finals Nov. 20-21 in Wilmington.

Osborne captured the Excellence in Directing Award.

Summer Grads

Appalachian State University announces degrees awarded during second summer term.

Katie Suzanne Holderfield, of Pinehurst, earned a bachelor's degree in foods and nutrition, and Nathaniel Arthur Timm, of Southern Pines, earned a bachelor's degree in building sciences.