Alpha Zeta Lambda officers pose for a group shot after the education honor society’s induction ceremony in Katy. Pictured, from left, are vice president Elizabeth Derouen, president Julia Jackson, secretary Adriana Alvarez, membership chair Amanda Rey and treasurer Holly Ellis.

KATY – A group of 23 University of Houston-Victoria School of Education & Human Development students were welcomed into the UHV chapter of an international education honor society at a recent induction ceremony.

Alpha Zeta Lambda is the UHV chapter of Kappa Delta Pi. More than 40 friends and family members of the inductees gathered at the UH System at Cinco Ranch for the induction ceremony.

“I am honored to have such exceptional people represent the Alpha Zeta Lambda chapter of Kappa Delta Pi,” said Julia Jackson, chapter president in Katy. “Each of the new initiates has demonstrated that he possesses the key qualities that exemplify him as a professional education leader. I look forward to working alongside each student and eagerly await the wonderful things that are ahead for our chapter.”

The UHV chapter, which was chartered in February 2012, has more than 140 members. The chapter is open to undergraduate and graduate students, practicing educators, school administrators, university education faculty and education retirees.

“I am excited to enter the magical world of teaching and to help students along as they explore their future,” said Uzma Siddiqi, a student from Sugar Land, who was inducted at the ceremony. “In trying to do that, Kappa Delta Pi affords me the ability to meet with my peers, share ideas and help each other grow as educators.”

Chapter counselors Moira Baldwin, a UHV assistant professor of science education, and Steve Trowbridge, a UHV adjunct professor of language, opened the ceremony by welcoming all new members and inducting the officers for 2014-2015.

The guest speaker for the ceremony was Kathy Kubelka, a UHV adjunct professor.

“Ms. Kubelka is an inspiration to many people, including students in the Katy community,” Jackson said. “She delivered a motivational, heart-warming speech filled with wise words about our position in the community and about our impact on young learners’ lives.”

Kappa Delta Pi inducts individuals who have exhibited the ideals of scholarship, integrity in service and commitment to excellence in teaching and its allied professions. Invitations to join Alpha Zeta Lambda are extended to undergraduate education applicants who have completed 30 semester hours or more and have at least a 3.0 grade-point average. Members must earn five hours of community service a semester, attend meetings and sustain a 3.25 GPA.

The new inductees and their hometowns are:

• Ashley Popham, Bay City
• Kimberly Britnell, Houston
• Eileen Borwell, Houston
• Dawn Ashley Mareth, Houston
• Myua Truong, Houston
• Julie Yanez, Houston
• Danielle Marie Benoit, Katy
• Kandace Gage, Katy
• Lori Granato, Katy
• Diane Honzell, Katy
• Haley Lyons, Katy
• Sherri Lyn Pittman, Katy
• Julie Waddill, Katy
• Fjola Cisotto Unnarsdottir, Keflavik, Iceland
• Antionette Humphries, Missouri City
• Vanessa Humphries, Sugar Land
• Debra Petrisky Lewis, Sugar Land
• Aneesa Maknojia, Sugar Land
• Tyler Masterson, Sugar Land
• Susana Poncio, Sugar Land
• Uzma Siddiqi, Sugar Land
• Sheeba Usmani, Wallis
• Catherine Ospina, Webster

For more information about Alpha Zeta Lambda, send an email to uhvazlnews@gmail.com.