Presbyterian College’s Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK) Circle recently held its initiation ceremony this April, virtually inducting students into the national leadership honor society.

Instead of gathering in HP Amphitheatre, where its ceremonial rituals have previously taken place for the event, faculty secretary Debby Young assembled the table setting in the small meeting room in Laurens Hall. Emily Green, president, led the virtual ceremony, which followed the program provided by the national organization.

The lighting of the candles during the ceremony was done with electric candles. Students took the virtual pledge and will later sign the membership roll; seniors signed electronically.

Inductees included:
Kayla Elizabeth Bramlett
Adriana Louise Cody
Serina Grace Combs
Margaret (Riley) Frierson
Erin Elizabeth Goff
Kayla Ann Koch
Sophie Rose Krist
Katelyn Nichole Shiley
Sarah Michelle Smith
Mary Redden Timmons
William (Bryce) Weber
Sara (Rylee) White
Samantha Jordan (Sammy Jo) Lee, was not able to attend and will be inducted at a later date.

Officers present for the ceremony were:
Emily Green, President
Lexi Clark, Vice President
Grace Moore, Secretary
Debby Young, Faculty Secretary
Sarah Smith is the newly elected president. Other officers will be selected by ballot.

Omicron Delta Kappa was founded in 1914 at Washington and Lee University. Virtual ceremonies were sanctioned this year due to the novel coronavirus, and are a first for ODK and PC. The Presbyterian College circle was founded in 1985 with PC President Orr presiding. ODK seeks to honor students from the top 35% academically who show excellence in the five major phases of college life:

•  Scholarship
• Athletics
• Campus or Community Service, Social, Religious Activities, and Campus Government
• Journalism, Speech, and the Mass Media
• Creative and Performing Arts