Nine new students inducted into ACTC’s Tri Alpha Honor Society

Published on Nov 19, 2024

Advisors of the Alpha Alpha Alpha (Tri-Alpha) honor society at Ashland Community and Technical College (ACTC) hosted their fall induction ceremony on Nov. 7, welcoming nine new student members.

Tri Alpha is a national honor society dedicated to celebrating the academic accomplishments of first-generation college students. 

“Being first can be hard; being first can be scary; being first can be exciting,” said Rob Langford, ACTC faculty advisor for Tri-Alpha, during the ceremony. “As part of the first generation in your family to go to work toward a bachelor’s degree, or even go to college at all, you are a source of pride and guidance to others.” 

ACTC is proud to be the first college in the KCTCS system, the tri-state, and the fourth in the state of Kentucky to host a chapter of Tri-Alpha. 

Megan Smedley, ACTC assistant director of public relations, was present as a guest speaker, encouraging students through sharing her own story as a first-generation college student. She shared that it was watching her parents’ sacrifices that pushed her to pursue education.

“My journey took many turns, but every step I took got me to where I am today and has enabled me to achieve my biggest goal: a better life for me and my family.” said Smedley. 

She concluded her speech by encouraging students to embrace their challenges, learn from them, and remember that every setback can be a setup for a comeback. 

Initiated students received a certificate, a pin, and a cord to wear during commencement ceremony.

Students who were eligible for induction this fall include: Courtney Bays, Kate Bryant, Esther Glenn, Paloma Gollihue, Mackenzie Layne, Rhonda Moyers, Eric Potter, Asia Terry, and Brietta Utley.