Julia DeWitt works in the PTK garden on campus. Julia DeWitt works in the PTK garden on campus.Temple College student Julia DeWitt is one of 13 students statewide selected to receive 2020 Dr. Mary Hood STAR Scholarships awarded by the Texas Region of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. DeWitt received a $500 Scholarship.

DeWitt is studying criminal justice and hopes to work in that field after she finishes school. Her particular area of interest is the mental health of law enforcement officers.

DeWitt is secretary of the Lambda Theta Chapter of PTK at Temple College. She has been involved with the PTK garden on campus and also enjoys volunteering at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen.

The Dr. Mary Hood Texas Region Scholarships help new Phi Theta Kappa members defray educational expenses while enrolled in associate degree programs. Scholarship winners are selected from more than 90 chapters throughout the Texas region. The 2020 scholarship winners were announced during the PTK Texas Honors Institute, which was held virtually July 17-19.

The scholarships honor Dr. Mary Hood, who served as PTK Texas Regional Coordinator for 18 years and was a member of Phi Theta Kappa’s Board of Directors at the time of her death in 2011.

Phi Theta Kappa is the premier honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders. The organization has more than 3.5 million members and nearly 1,300 chapters in 11 nations. Learn more at ptk.org.