PTK Student Recognized with Silver-Level President's Volunteer Service Award

Kalamazoo Valley Community College student and Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) member Dusti Morton recently received a Silver-Level President's Volunteer Service Award (PVSA). The award is U.S. presidential acknowledgment of outstanding volunteer service.

"I was very excited to learn that I won," Morton explained. "Volunteering provides a connection with the community that is otherwise unseen, it helps people hear voices that they might not have heard before. I'm so grateful for all the things I've accomplished and for the things I've learned."

Morton has volunteered throughout the community since 2013 and is an advocate for volunteerism. Her extensive work with the Kalamazoo Civic Theater last year qualified her for the Silver-Level PVSA. Winners are awarded gold, silver or bronze based on service hours completed and receive a certificate and congratulatory letter signed by the President of the United States Joe Biden.

The PVSA was established in 2003 by The President's Council on Service and Civic Participation. Awarding has continued under each administration and acknowledges the importance of volunteerism as a strength to America's national identity. Managed by AmeriCorps in partnership with Points of Light, the program offers certifying organizations an opportunity to recognize their most exceptional volunteers.

Morton said her experience with the college's PTK chapter further enforced her commitment to volunteerism. PTK, the international honor society for two-year colleges, is a student organization dedicated to scholarship, fellowship, leadership and service. The college's chapter often plans community service projects in collaboration with administrators and staff.

"One of the reasons why I enjoy being involved with PTK is how committed they are to volunteerism," Morton said. "Being able to invest my time with them has been a very fulfilling experience. Volunteerism is something that matters and is noticed on all kinds of levels."

"I am impressed with Dusti's willingness to help others," said Alison Nord, Kalamazoo Valley accounting faculty and PTK chapter advisor. "Her volunteer efforts play a key role in PTK's charity walk for Kalamazoo Loaves and Fishes and the winter accessories drive for local schools. She leads through action and sets an excellent example for other PTK members."

To learn more about the PVSA, click here. For questions about the college's PTK chapter, email .