The Garnet Key Honor Society (GKHS) will hold its spring Induction Ceremony Friday, April 1 in the Holley Lecture Hall at 6:00 p.m. The event is open to Florida State University students, faculty and staff. A string quartet composed from the Panama City Pops will provide music. Light refreshments follow the ceremony.

The purpose of GKHS is to recognize the academic achievements of undergraduate and graduate students at Florida State University Panama City. Eligible students must have at least 15 credit hours in a FSU degree program and a FSU GPA of 3.5 or better. Students who meet these criteria receive a letter from the Society inviting them to the Induction Ceremony where they receive a Honors Cord for graduation, a certificate of achievement, a GKHS pin and t-shirt. The ceremony is held twice a year during the spring and fall semesters. Members pay a one-time association due of $70 and membership is lifelong. Twenty-three new members will be inducted in Friday's ceremony.

GKHS is a sister organization to the Golden Key Honor Society in Tallahassee and has been active on the Panama City campus since 1984. In 2000, Cristina Rios became the advisor for GKHS. Rios is an instructor at FSU Panama City’s Elementary Education program.

“I guide our members in designing projects and activities that encourage development of skills, strength and character during their academic career. GKHS helps to foster relationships through service to our local community.” Rios said.

The projects that the GKHS participate in are varied with some that span semesters and years. All projects are intended to develop leadership skills through community service. Rios helps GKHS members to identify community needs and how to make contact with organizations in which to partner with.

The Fear the Spear Initiative is a project where members mentor English Language Learners at Jinks Middle School in Panama City. GKHS members assists teachers in the classroom, giving their time and talent in helping young students become academically successful themselves.

 

GKHS also participates in FSU’s Service Day at the Humane Society. Participants volunteer at the Bay County Humane Society by walking and playing with animals.

A new long-term project to begin this semester is Dogs on Deployment. In cooperation with the Department of Defense, GKHS members will help find placement homes for animals of deployed military service personnel.

As a result of community service in both the private and public sectors, GKHS members practice problem-solving skills, develop innovative solutions and have the opportunity to implement these solutions while still in college. This provides practical community based leadership experiences that can aid them in the workforce upon graduation.