Plaza College Honor Society Students Take Top Honors at National Convention

By Dean Jonathan Howle

Makeda Regis, Prof. Burns, Lanisse Soto, and Mykle Desir eagerly await one of three lectures by nationally acclaimed authors.

Three Plaza students received top honors at the 2014 Sigma Tau Delta / Sigma Kappa Delta National Convention in Savannah, GA. The convention took place from February 27, 2014, to March 2, 2014.

Makeda Regis and Mykle Desir won national service scholarships from the honor society Sigma Kappa Delta. They applied back in November 2013 and were notified at the end of January. They competed against hundreds of students from across the country. Only five scholarships were given nationally, and two winners were from Plaza College.

Ms. Regis received the Dr. Susan LeJeune Scholarship, and Mr. Desir received the Dr. Don Perkins Scholarship.

Also at the convention, Lanisse Soto became the first student in Plaza College history to ever present an essay on a national honor society panel. Lanisse's brilliant analysis of the George Orwell novel 1984 was one of four essays selected out of more than 100 to be presented on the panel entitled “River Current: Life-changing Literature.” She read her essay in front of many students and sponsors and impressed everyone.

"At first I was a bit apprehensive about having to read my essay. However, in the end, everything went perfectly. Two years ago I would have never thought I would be where I am today. Plaza College has given me the chance of a lifetime," Ms. Soto said.

About the experience of attending the convention, Ms. Regis said, “I had the time of my life, and the place was absolutely beautiful. I had the opportunity to network with other members of Sigma Kappa Delta members, take pictures with them, and share the love I have obtained for English and writing. The experience made me look at life differently, in a more appreciative way.”

Mr. Desir agrees, saying, “I feel honored to have represented Plaza College at such a prestigious event. The award and scholarship in itself were big surprises; however, the trip was an even bigger reward.”

Dean Howle and Prof. Burns attended the convention with the students.

The 2015 convention will be held in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Those who earn membership into Sigma Kappa Delta and Sigma Tau Delta will begin working on scholarship and writing applications in May 2014.