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ICC's Matthew Butler one of eight PTK members nationwide to receive prestigious scholarship

Matthew L. Butler of Tupelo, a student at Itawamba Community College, is one of eight Phi Theta Kappa members selected as a 2024 Guistwhite Scholar and will receive a $5,000 scholarship for baccalaureate studies.

Butler, who is a biochemistry major, is participating in the Middle College program. He will graduate from both Tupelo High School and ICC in May. His ICC activities include vice president of Scholarship for the Upsilon Sigma Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, Instructional Support team member, 22-23 Monroe County Representative for the Tupelo Student Government Association, STEM Club president, Exam Cram tutor and member of the Humanities Club. His honors include president’s list and recipient of the PTK Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise scholarship in 2023. His civic activities include Time for Tupelo, among other local community service events and tutoring. At Tupelo High School, his activities and honors are Science Olympiad, ACT 30+ Club, Poetry Out Load State Finalist and National Rural and Small-Town Recognition program. He plans to transfer to Mississippi State University this fall to continue working toward his degree in biochemistry with a focus on pre-research. He is the son of Joyce Butler.

“The Guistwhite scholarship ensures that I can continue being a student leader among my peers without my having to worry about as much financial strain,” Butler said. “Overall, the scholarship is an amazing opportunity for any student willing to go above and beyond for their honor society, and I am honored to receive it.

Winners were chosen from among 3,000 applicants nationwide, and their selection was based on academic excellence, leadership accomplishments and engagement in PTK programs. They will also receive a commemorative medallion.

This is the second-highest scholarship offered by Phi Theta Kappa. It is named in honor of the late Margaret and Dr. Jack Guistwhite, who established the first transfer scholarship designated exclusively for Phi Theta Kappa members to Florida Atlantic University in 1975.

“What Dr. Guistwhite started nearly 50 years ago has become a transformational force in the lives of PTK members and has resulted in more than 800 colleges and universities designating transfer scholarships for our students,” said PTK President and CEO Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner. “It is fitting that we continue to honor our students who excel in scholarship and leadership as Guistwhite Scholars in celebration of Jack and Margaret.”

Phi Theta Kappa is the premier honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them grow as scholars and leaders. The Society is made up of more than 3.8 million members and nearly 1,300 chapters in 11 countries with approximately 240,000 active members in the nation’s colleges.



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