IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — College of Eastern Idaho’s (CEI) Beta Chi Psi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society has earned multiple international recognitions, marking a historic milestone for the chapter. This is the first time CEI’s PTK members and advisor will be honored on stage at PTK Catalyst 2025, the society’s annual international convention, held April 3-5 in Kansas City, Missouri.

Among the most prestigious honors, CEI’s PTK advisor Bailey Winn has 

been awarded the 2025 Paragon Award for New Advisors, a recognition given to outstanding advisors who have made a lasting impact on their students and chapter. This honor reflects Winn’s dedication to fostering academic excellence, leadership, and service within PTK at CEI.

“It is truly an honor to work with such a dedicated and inspiring group of students. Each year, they push themselves to achieve even greater goals—and have continued to exceed expectations. Their determination, leadership, and passion for service are remarkable, and I have no doubt that each of them has a bright and promising future ahead.” – Bailey Winn, PTK Advisor

In addition to Winn’s award, three CEI students have received individual international recognition: 

• Distinguished Chapter Officer Awards: Dayanna Bonilla and Aisha Nalder
• Distinguished Chapter Member Award: Kaitlyn Ginnard

These distinctions honor PTK members who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, academic excellence, and commitment to service. 

CEI is also celebrating Lee Carretero, who has advanced to the semifinalist round for Phi Theta Kappa International Officer. Carretero will represent CEI on a national stage, delivering an honors study topic speech as part of the competition in Kansas City.

This year’s awards mark a major achievement for CEI’s PTK chapter. While the chapter received nine awards at the Rocky Mountain Cascade Regional level last year, this is the first time CEI students will be recognized at the international level and walk the stage at Catalyst—a testament to the chapter’s rapid growth and increasing excellence.

CEI President Lori Barber is so excited that the fairly new PTK Chapter has grown so quickly into a chapter of distinction. Barber stated, "At College of Eastern Idaho, we take immense pride in the excellence and dedication of our students, and our Phi Theta Kappa chapter continues to set the bar high. Their recent honors reflect not only their academic achievement but also their leadership, service, and commitment to the values of PTK. These recognitions showcase the incredible talent we have at CEI and the bright futures ahead for our students.” 

Phi Theta Kappa is the premier international honor society for two-year college students, recognizing and encouraging scholarship, leadership, and service. Earning multiple international awards is a rare and prestigious achievement for a community college, underscoring the strength of CEI’s academic programs and student engagement.

The College of Eastern Idaho congratulates Bailey Winn, Dayanna Bonilla, Aisha Nalder, Kaitlyn Ginnard, and Lee Carretero for their outstanding accomplishments. 

For more information about CEI’s Phi Theta Kappa chapter and student opportunities, visit https://www.cei.edu/honor-society.