Columbia State Community College’s chapter of Phi Theta Kappa recently raised $745 through their Wreaths Across America fundraiser for the Miracle League of Columbia.

“Phi Theta Kappa has a long history at Columbia State for providing members with opportunities to participate in service projects to benefit the college and the community,” said Mandy Carter-Lowe, Columbia State associate professor of biology and PTK advisor. “This project not only allowed individuals an opportunity to honor and remember veterans but also allowed us to invest in our community through the Miracle League of Columbia at Maury County Park.”

Annaleisa Matzirakis, a Columbia State student and Vice President of Service for PTK was heavily involved in the fundraiser.

“It is a long-held belief of mine that it is important to give back to your community and help those in need when you have the means to do so,” said Matzirakis. “The Wreaths Across America fundraiser not only allowed our chapter and college community to honor our local, fallen veterans, but also helped raise funds to donate to the amazing cause that is the Miracle League of Columbia. This project was so fulfilling, and I think I can speak for all of us when I say that I feel blessed to have been able to partner with both Wreaths Across America as well as the Miracle League of Columbia.” 

The Wreaths Across America project was offered to the campus community last semester. Sponsors could purchase a wreath to honor service men and women buried at the Middle Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery. PTK received $5 from each sponsored wreath and elected to donate the funds to the Miracle League of Columbia to assist their efforts to build an all-inclusive ballfield. This was chosen as a result of research and discussions from this year’s Honors in Action topic, The Art and Science of Play. 

“As a student-athlete, I understand the profound impacts that athletics has on developing individuals by building both camaraderie and character,” said Matzirakis. “I believe that all children and individuals, regardless of ability, should have the opportunity to participate in and experience any sport or activity their heart desires. The fundraising partnership between our PTK chapter and Wreaths Across America allowed us to raise funds to contribute to the construction of an inclusive ball field with the Miracle League of Columbia.”

More than 80 wreaths were sponsored, and it was the second year in a row that every headstone at the cemetery received a wreath from the fundraiser. A ceremony was held on December 17^th, National Wreaths Across America Day, to place the wreaths.

The funds donated to Miracle League will be allocated toward building a baseball field and playground that will give children with mental and physical challenges the ability to play baseball in a league of their own.

“Through our honors research we discovered that children benefit both physically and emotionally from involvement in team sports,” said Cara Sutherland, Columbia State associate professor of mathematics and PTK advisor. “This ballfield will remove barriers facing children with mental and physical disabilities to allow them an opportunity to participate.”

Phi Theta Kappa is an international honors society for two-year schools. Columbia State’s chapter, Beta Kappa Theta, was chartered in 2000 and has since grown to become a Five-Star Chapter. Phi Theta Kappa Membership is limited to roughly the top 10% of students based on academic achievements.

Columbia State’s chapter received three regional awards this year: Third Place Distinguished Officer Team, Third Place Distinguished Chapter Member and First Place Distinguished Honors in Action Theme. They were also recognized internationally as a REACH chapter for their efforts to increase chapter membership. Last year, the advisor team of Columbia State faculty members, was recognized with an international hallmark award as a Distinguished Advisor Team.

“Serving my community is a practice I've implemented throughout my life,” said Matzirakis. “I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to serve as PTK's vice president of service, which has facilitated the ability to bring our Columbia State community together for the benefit of our community at large.”

For more information about Columbia State’s chapter of PTK, visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/campus-life/phi-theta-kappa/index.html.