Cheryl Owens / The Meridian StarJay Fritts

Meridian Community College student Jerod (Jay) Fritts said he was overwhelmed after being named Phi Theta Kappa’s International Division II Vice President.

“My heart was pounding, I was in shock and disbelief,” Fritts, an MCC sophomore, said. “Time seemed to just stand still.”

Fritts was one of five international students tapped for an officer for Phi Theta Kappa, the international academic honor society for community and junior college students. The honor was handed out at the PTK convention held in Nashville earlier this month.

Fritts’ journey involved campaigning, a live caucus and more. After moving to the second round, Fritts gave his prepared speech on the topic of beauty and vulgarity to the 3500-plus crowd.

MCC math instructor and PTK advisor Phyllis Holladay said to her knowledge Fritts is the first student from MCC to ever hold an international officer position.

“It was just surreal when Jay won – we knew he did great and expected him to win, but there was still that element of surprise and shock when they called his name,” Holladay said. “What a way to represent Phi Theta Kappa and what the college has to offer. This has been such an amazing experience for Jay and his officer team that has supported him every step of the way.”

Lucy Ferguson, who is also a PTK advisor, agreed, “When they pulled out the envelope and read his name we just started cheering and was so excited,” she said. “We were just elated and so excited for him.”

Fritts credited his advisors, his campaign team, friends, students and staff and faculty at MCC for his success. 

“When my name was called, I had so many emotions running through me,” Fritts said. “I remember walking up on stage, and I could hear all my friends cheering for me, which made me grin from ear to ear. My friends were there for one of the biggest moments in my life so of course I couldn’t help but smiling.”

Fritts said what led him to seek international office – to discover who Jay Fritts was and what he could accomplish if elected.

“I believe this opportunity will give me the chance to push myself to the extent of my being and to unlock my true potential,” Fritts said. “In doing so, I can be of great benefit for the Phi Theta Kappa Society because of my love for this organization and its members.”

Being an international officer is the highest position of student leadership for Phi Theta Kappa. Fritts will serve as an ambassador for PTK and travel the country to speak at PTK events. He will also preside at PTK’s 100th Annual Convention in 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri.

“I am really looking forward to seeing how much this next year is going to change my life,” Fritts said. “I know that just over the past couple of months I have been able to grow tremendously as a person and as a leader, so I am looking forward to what opportunities lay in store for me this next year.”

Looking ahead, Fritts plans to pursue a career in the medical field. He’s a bio-chemistry major hoping to get into medical school, become a doctor and own his own clinic one day.

Fritts said his father, Dan, a physical therapist, impressed upon him the value of helping others at an early age.

“My dad taught me you will always live a fulfilling life if you are helping others,” Fritts said. “He told me when you are helping others, not only are you helping them, but you are helping yourself as well. That is one of those values that I have always stuck to and truly believe in. I got to thinking what is an occupation that helps people every day – a doctor, that is when I made my decision. If I become a doctor I know that years down the line when I am older and look back on my life I know I will feel very content with what I have done.”

Fritts said the things that are most important in his life are his family, friends, and most importantly God. His biggest passion in life is his passion for people. He said he loves to talk (sometimes a little too much). He loves to meet different kinds of people. One of his goals is to travel the world and see all the different kinds of places that are out there.

Other awards

Other awards Meridian Community College received at the Phi Theta Kappa Convention were:

The Scholar Bowl team (Les Quizerables), won first place. They competed in the final round on the “big” stage in front of 3500 plus people. This team included Aaron Kirby, Donnie Carrol, Tim Sansing, Adam Mowdy, and Madison Godfrey. Each student received a pin and $100 scholarship.

Emma Moffett competed in the Extemporaneous Speech Competition where she placed 3rd and received a $100 scholarship. This competition involved several rounds and required her to prepare a speech on a given topic with only 30 minutes to prepare in each round.

In addition to these individual awards, the MCC chapter received a College Project Award for Top 50. The MCC PTK College Project is Health and Wellness Initiative which the chapter hopes to continue next year. Also, the MCC chapter was named in the Top 100 Chapters among 1300 chapters.

This year’s PTK officer team includes Aaron Kirby, Dakota Ivy, Jay Fritts, J.T. Champion, Mallory Harmon, Donnie Carroll, Kevin Chance, Madison Godfrey, Tim Sansing, Adam Mowdy, Emma Moffett, and Shelby Gossett.