The 51st annual Tri Kappa Honor Reception and awards ceremony was held in the Warsaw Community High School Performing Arts Center Thursday. The annual reception recognizes the outstanding scholastic achievement by the graduating seniors in the class of 2015, according to a press release from Tri Kappa. Over 300 students and guests enjoyed an address by keynote speakers Lorinda Kline and Mason Metzger. The duo shared a 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 WCHS 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, according to the press release. 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. In 2014, Tri Kappa awarded over $14,000 in local scholarships to graduating seniors and college students.
