Members of Carroll Community College’s Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) local chapter beautified a Carroll County church this summer, with the help of parishioners. St. Joseph Catholic Community was the recipient of the group’s community service work. PTK is the international honor society for two-year colleges and Alpha Psi Psi is the college’s chapter.

Six volunteers were organized by Eileen Rudnick, Carroll student and parishioner of the church. Student volunteers also included Simone Bolton, Cindy Loynaz, and Nikki Miller. In addition, college employee Patrick McMurtray and parishioner Mike Rudnick also joined in the effort.

Flower beds by the main entrance and in the front of the church needed weeds, trash, and other debris cleared. The sidewalk entrance to the religious education center needed scrubbing, due to sticky droppings from a nearby plum tree. The prayer garden outside the gymnasium needed to be restored to its original weed-free peacefulness.

“St Joseph’s appreciates the work this group accomplished in such a short period of time. The outside areas of the church were much improved by their efforts. We are blessed to have these parishioners and community friends generously giving their time and talent,” said Sue Ann Johnson, executive assistant to the pastor and office manager at St. Joseph’s.

Judy Samuels, a recruiter/advisor at the college, said, “Scholarship, leadership, and service are the tenets of membership for Phi Theta Kappa. Many students realize the importance of leadership and scholarship in their college experience, but they don’t always see the importance of helping not only their college community, but the community at large. I am so proud of the members of Alpha Psi Psi for all that they do, not only for Carroll Community College, but for Carroll County.”

The Alpha Psi Psi chapter is working on plans for more community service in Carroll County this fall, in addition to outreach activities at the college. (This article was submitted by Eileen Rudnick, public relations chair for Carroll Community College’s Alpha Psi Psi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa.)

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