Oklahoma/Arkansas Region 

Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society

Regional Awards Program Guide
All award entries must be received by Noon, February 6, 2004

Oklahoma/Arkansas Region of Phi Theta Kappa

Regional Awards Program 2005
The Regional Awards Program for individual and chapter competition recognizes members, advisors and chapters within the region for outstanding efforts in the Hallmarks of Scholarship, Leadership, Service and Fellowship. Recognition is based upon actual award entries submitted according to the requirements stipulated on each cover sheet. To maintain fairness and equity among all chapters, THE Regional Award COORDINATOR MUST RECEIVE ALL REGIONAL AWARD ENTRIES NO LATER THAN NOON, FEBRUARY 1, 2005. In fairness to all chapters, LATE AND/OR PARTIAL ENTRIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. FAXED OR E-MAILED ENTRIES WILL NOT BE JUDGED. The Regional Coordinator will not accept Regional Award Entries!

Send Hallmark Award Packets to the Regional Award Coordinator, Deborah Herr:

Deborah Herr, Advisor
Carl Albert State College
1507 S. McKenna
Poteau, OK 74953

Preparing regional awards is a time-consuming and usually stressful process. However, it is also a time of reflection upon chapters’ and members’ accomplishments. Culmination of the process at the regional awards banquet is a proud moment for everyone in the region, often inspiring continued success, renewed vigor, and motivation to attempt new levels of chapter development.

The Oklahoma/Arkansas Region Awards Program closely mimics the International Hallmark Awards Program to ease chapter participation in both programs. Therefore, the current International Hallmarks Awards Program Guide is an excellent reference when preparing entries. Do not submit an exact copy of your Regional Award entries to the International Hallmark Awards Program. You will need to adapt your Regional entries to include those events that fall within the International Hallmark Awards reporting deadlines when submitting to International.

Persons selected at the discretion of the Regional Coordinator and Regional Awards Coordinator will perform all judging of awards. At least two other Regional Coordinators will judge hallmark and individual awards. No one Regional Coordinator will judge all four hallmarks.

From time to time, special awards are given at the discretion of the Regional Coordinator and/or the Regional Executive Committee. It is specifically the right of the Regional Coordinator not to present an award in any category for which there is no qualified winner.

Most awards will be presented at the 2005Awards Banquet of the annual Oklahoma/Arkansas Regional Convention, February 20 2005 and reported on the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society website (www.ptk.org). Individual awards may be presented during one or more of the general sessions of the Oklahoma/Arkansas Regional Convention. Trophies and certificates not accepted by chapters and/or individuals during the Regional Convention will be distributed at the next regional conference.

History of Oklahoma/Arkansas Regional Awards Program

In 1991, the Oklahoma/Arkansas Region struck a medallion, which is used to honor outstanding accomplishments of members and advisors. At that time, research indicated the awards had been given since 1977 when the Oklahoma State Phi Theta Kappa Society was organized. Subsequent research revealed that awards were first given in 1976. In 1987, Oklahoma and Arkansas combined to form the Oklahoma/Arkansas Region.

Today’s awards presentations honor all Phi Theta Kappa award winners, both past and present! All award winners will be honored with an award certificate embossed with the Oklahoma/Arkansas Region seal. Trophies, plaques and medallions also display the Oklahoma/Arkansas Region seal. Hall of Honor recipients are presented with a lapel pin bearing the seal.

Regional Awards Contest Rules

1.       The Regional Award Coordinator must receive entries no later than Noon, February 1 2005. Neither late entries, faxed entries nor e-mailed entries will be accepted for judging.

2.       All entries submitted should be the work of chapter members (students). Chapter members are encouraged to have advisors, alumni and faculty members proof award entries and make suggestions for improvement before submitting them to the Regional Award Coordinator for competition.

3.       A chapter advisor must sign the cover sheet of most award entries in the space provided. The signature will signify that the work submitted is indeed the work of chapter members and a true representation of the chapter's activities to the best of the advisor's knowledge. Entries submitted without the advisor's signature will not be judged.

4.       Send all entries to the Regional Award Coordinator in one package. Information for all entries should be contained within this single package. Ancillary materials submitted separately will not be included in the judging process.

5.       Award entries submitted without all required components will be disqualified. For example, Individual Awards submitted without required recommendation letters or Hallmark Awards submitted without essays or chronological lists will be disqualified.

6.       All contents for each award entry should be simply assembled together by a staple. Please do not assemble entries in binders or folders. Uniform assembly of entries ensures fair and equitable judging for all entries. Two copies of each entry must be submitted. Failure to submit two copies will result in disqualification of that entry.

7.       All Hallmark Award entries become the property of the Region and cannot be returned. Be sure to make copies for your records.

8.       Your chapter will receive confirmation via e-mail verifying that the Hallmark Coordinator has received your entries.

9.       For the Hallmark Awards competition, chapters may report only those projects/events that have taken place between the 2003 Hallmark Awards deadline, February 14, 2004, and the 2005 Awards deadline, February 1, 2005.

10.   Nominees for individual awards must be members in good standing of a chapter of the Oklahoma/Arkansas Region of Phi Theta Kappa. Members in good standing must meet their chapter's maintenance requirements for membership. The chapter must be in good standing within the Oklahoma/Arkansas Region to be considered for a chapter award. Chapters must have paid regional membership fees for the prior year and all prior conference fees to be considered in good standing.

11.   Regional Awards will be judged using the same criteria used for the International Hallmark Awards.  These criteria can be found in the Hallmark Awards Program Guide found at http://www.ptk.org/hallmarks/. This guide also includes several useful tips on writing essays and recommendation letters, and preparing chronological lists.  It is highly recommended that you study this guide ahead of time. Details matter!

Oklahoma/Arkansas Regional Awards

Chapters may formally apply for a majority of the Regional Awards. Award applications must be accompanied by the corresponding International Hallmark Awards Cover Sheet unless otherwise noted. Criteria for the following awards are listed on the entry cover sheets.

Chapter Awards

Mike H. Watson Hallmark of Scholarship Award

An Award of Distinction is presented to the chapter with the most outstanding, comprehensive program in scholarship. The award honors Mike H. Watson, the Associate Director of Phi Theta Kappa, who served the Region as editor of The Oar and as President in 1987.  This award is based upon the chapter’s Scholarship Award entry. The top three chapters will be recognized. All three award winners will be presented with a 5-inch acrylic disk bearing the regional seal. The first-place chapter will be awarded one registration fee waiver to the 2005 Oklahoma/Arkansas Regional Convention.  Use the International Awards Scholarship Hallmark Cover Sheet for this entry.

Marian P. Wirth Hallmark of Leadership Award

The Marian P. Wirth Leadership Hallmark Award honors the chapter with the most comprehensive program of Leadership. The award is based upon the chapter’s Leadership award entry. The award honors Regional Coordinator Emeritus Dr. Marian P. Wirth, who led the region from 1975 – 1988. The top three chapters will be recognized. All three award winners will be presented with a 5-inch acrylic disk bearing the regional seal. The first-place chapter will receive one registration fee waiver to the 2005 Oklahoma/Arkansas Regional Convention. Use the Leadership Hallmark International Award Cover Sheet for this award.

Doris A. Smith Hallmark of Service Award

The Doris A. Smith Service Hallmark Award honors the chapter with outstanding, comprehensive programs in service. The Award of Distinction is presented to the chapter that best sponsors service activities to the college and community. The award is based upon the chapter’s Hallmark of Service entry. This award honors the late Doris A. Smith, who served as regional coordinator from 1988 to 1991. The top three chapters will be recognized. All three award winners will be presented with a 5-inch acrylic disk bearing the regional seal. The first-place chapter will receive one registration fee waiver to the 2005 Oklahoma/Arkansas Regional Convention. Use the Service Hallmark International Award Cover Sheet for this award.

Hallmark of Fellowship Award

An Award of Distinction is presented to the chapter with the most outstanding program of fellowship. Awards are based upon the chapter’s Hallmark of Fellowship Award entry. The top three chapters will be recognized. All three award winners will be presented with a 5-inch acrylic disk bearing the regional seal. The first-place chapter will receive one registration fee waiver to the 2005 Oklahoma/Arkansas Regional Convention. Use the Fellowship Hallmark International Award Cover Sheet for this award.

Most Distinguished Chapter

The Most Distinguished Chapter Award honors the most outstanding chapter in the Oklahoma/Arkansas Region. The chapter demonstrates outstanding programs in the four hallmarks of the Society and submits formal applications in each of the four hallmarks. Selection of the Distinguished Chapter Award will be based solely on the applications for these Hallmark Awards. The scores in each of the four Hallmark categories mentioned above will be averaged to determine a chapter’s overall ranking. The chapter receives a Regional Award of Distinction, the highest honor presented to a chapter in the region. The chapter will be presented with a beautiful 8-inch disk bearing the regional seal mounted on a blue sunstone base. A fee waiver* to the 2005 International Honors Institute will also be awarded to the Most Distinguished Chapter. 

Runner-Up to the Most Distinguished Chapter

The Runner-Up to the Most Distinguished Chapter Award will also be awarded a fee waiver* to the 2005 International Honors Institute.

Distinguished Chapters

The top five chapters will be recognized based upon rankings achieved from averaging chapter scores in the four hallmarks.

Newsletter Award

This award is given for the most outstanding newsletter published at the chapter level during the regional year. First-, second-, and third-place will be recognized. The first-place winner will be presented with a 4-inch acrylic triangle bearing the regional seal. Use the Regional Award Cover Sheet for this entry.

Website Award

This award is given for the most outstanding website published to the web by a chapter during the regional year. First-, second-, and third-place will be recognized. The first-place winner will be presented with a 4-inch acrylic triangle bearing the regional seal. Use the Regional Award Cover Sheet for this entry.

Brotherhood Award

This award will be presented to the chapter that has sponsored the single, best regional brotherhood activity during the regional calendar year as determined by the Regional Executive Committee. Quality and promotion of the event and participation of regional members will be considered. The winning chapter will be presented with the Traveling Brotherhood Trophy.

KaCee Williams “I Feel Good! Yeah!” Spirit Award

This award goes to the chapter that has demonstrated the most positive, supportive, and enthusiastic regional participation during the calendar year. The Regional Executive Committee will select the recipient. No formal application is necessary. The winner will be presented with a 4-inch acrylic triangle bearing the regional seal.

Communication Award

This award goes to the chapter that has communicated with the regional coordinator and regional executive committee most consistently during the regional year. Considered are the quality, promptness and frequency with which Five-Star Development Program Chapter Update forms, newsletters, activity flyers and other correspondence are sent to the Regional Coordinator and International Headquarters. No formal application is necessary. The first-place winner will be presented with a 4-inch acrylic triangle bearing the regional seal.

Horizon Award – New Chapter

This award recognizes the new chapter(s), younger than two years, that demonstrates the most improvement during the regional year. No application is necessary. The Regional Executive Committee will select the recipient. The first-place winner will be presented with a 4-inch acrylic triangle bearing the regional seal.

Horizon Award – Established Chapter

This award recognizes an established chapter(s), older than two years, that experiences a revival during the regional year. No application is necessary. The Regional Executive Committee will select the recipient. The first-place winner will be presented with a 4-inch acrylic triangle bearing the regional seal.

High Hopes Award

This award recognizes a chapter that has overcome remarkable adversity to preserve the integrity of the chapter or reach a higher level of development. No application is necessary. The Regional Executive Committee will select the recipient. The first-place winner will be presented with a 4-inch acrylic triangle bearing the regional seal.

Individual Awards

Most Distinguished Member of the Oklahoma/Arkansas Region

The Most Distinguished Member of the Oklahoma/Arkansas Region is recognized for exemplary demonstration of leadership and service to the Society on a local, regional and international level. The recipient will be selected from the finalists of the Distinguished Chapter President, Distinguished Chapter Officer and Distinguished Chapter Member competitions. The recipient of this award will receive a medallion bearing the Regional Seal.

Distinguished Chapter Presidents

This award is presented to as many as five chapter presidents who demonstrate leadership involvement in chapter programs, friendship with fellow scholars and enthusiasm for the Society’s Hallmarks. A student may receive this award only once. Regional and International Officers are not eligible for this award. Each chapter may nominate only one member for this award. Distinguished Chapter Presidents are automatically inducted into the Oklahoma/Arkansas Region Hall of Honor. Use the Distinguished Chapter President International Award Cover Sheet for this entry.

Distinguished Chapter Officers

This award is presented to as many as five chapter officers who demonstrate leadership. A student may receive this award only once. Chapter Presidents may not be nominated for this award. Regional and International Officers are not eligible for this award. Each chapter may nominate only one member for this award. Involvement in chapter programs, friendship with fellow scholars and enthusiasm for the Society’s Hallmarks is considered. Award recipients will be inducted into the Oklahoma/Arkansas Region Hall of Honor. Use the Distinguished Chapter Officer International Award Cover Sheet for this entry.

Distinguished Chapter Members

This award is presented to as many as five members who have made significant contributions to the Society during the previous regional calendar year. A student may receive this award only once. Regional and International Officers are not eligible for this award. Chapter Presidents and members who served as Chapter Officers during the year are not eligible for this award. Each chapter may nominate only one member. The award recipient is automatically inducted into the Oklahoma/Arkansas Region Hall of Honor.  Use the George O. Bierkoe Distinguished Member International Award Cover Sheet for this entry.

Most Distinguished Chapter Advisor

This award is presented to the chapter advisor who has made the most significant contribution to the Society during the preceding regional calendar year. The recipient will be selected from nominees to the Continued Excellence Award for Advisors, Distinguished Chapter Advisor award and the Distinguished New Chapter Advisor award. The recipient of this award will receive a fee waiver* to the 2004 International Honors Institute and a medallion bearing the Regional Seal.

Continued Excellence Award for Advisors

This award is presented to as many as three chapter advisors who have previously been chosen as Distinguished Chapter Advisors in this award program. Each chapter may submit as many nominations for the Continued Excellence Award for Advisors as there are advisors of the chapter who qualify for the award. Use the Continued Excellence Award for Advisors International Award Cover Sheet for this entry.

Distinguished Experienced Chapter Advisors

This award is presented to as many as three chapter advisors who have provided exemplary leadership to chapter members and within the region. Recipients will be inducted into the Oklahoma/Arkansas Region Hall of Honor. Nominees must have served at least five years. Each chapter may submit as many nominations for the Distinguished Advisor Award as there are advisors of the chapter who qualify for the award. Use the Robert Giles Distinguished Advisor International Award Cover Sheet for this entry.

Distinguished New Chapter Advisor

This award is presented to as many as three new chapter advisors who have provided exemplary leadership to chapter members and within the region. Recipients will be inducted into the Oklahoma/Arkansas Region Hall of Honor. Nominees must be serving in their first four years. Each chapter may submit as many nominations for the Distinguished Advisor Award as there are advisors of the chapter who qualify for the award. Use the Paragon Award for New Advisors International Award Cover Sheet for this entry.

Distinguished College Chief Executive Officer

Three college presidents and other campus executive officers are selected for this award on the basis of outstanding efforts toward promoting the goals of Phi Theta Kappa. They will be presented with a 5- by 7-inch Appreciation Plaque. Use the Shirley B. Gordon Award of Distinction International Award Cover Sheet for this entry.

Oklahoma/Arkansas Region Hall of Honor

These awards are presented to members, advisors, alumni and friends who have made outstanding contributions to the Society. No established number of these awards will be given in any year, but the number of awards given will be based on merit. Each new Hall of Honor member will receive a lapel pin bearing the regional seal.

Members, advisors, alumni and friends of the Region who receive Awards of Distinction a second time will be honored by a $25.00 gift certificate to Phi Theta Kappa’s Society Recognition Services.

Members, advisors, alumni and friends of the Region who receive Awards of Distinction a third time will be honored by a $25.00 gift certificate to Phi Theta Kappa’s Society Recognition Services and a $25.00 donation to the Society Foundation, Pinnacle Scholarship in their honor.

Alumni Awards

Distinguished Alumni Award

The award is presented to as many as three alumni who have made significant contributions to the Society during the previous regional calendar year. The regional board will select this award recipient. No application is necessary. Recipients will be inducted into the Regional Hall of Honor. The recipient of this award will be presented with a medallion bearing the Regional Seal.