By Chloe Ogier
The Scene staff
A Forest Park student will serve as the new international president of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society for 2025-26.
Lulu McGowan, 20, was elected by PTK members at a convention called PTK Catalyst held April 3-5 in Kansas City. “I am honored,” she said. “I am elated. I am proud to be recognized.”
McGowan is a St. Louis native and graduate of Nerinx Hall High School. She became a general transfer student at St. Louis Community College at Forest Park in 2022 and member of its PTK chapter in 2023.
Adviser Sandra Osburn issued the following statement about McGowan:
“Upon gaining admission into PTK, Lulu immediately decided to maximize the experience of being an active member, chapter officer, regional president, and now, international president.
“She worked through each stage of her participation with interest and enthusiasm embodying the four PTK hallmarks of scholarship, leadership, service, and fellowship.”
McGowan was one of 27 candidates for international office and one of seven candidates for the presidency at PTK Catalyst. Her slogan was “Go Full Out!”
She decorated her campaign booth in all pink.
The election involved three rounds of voting. The first round was virtual. The second and third rounds took place at the convention.
McGowan attributes some of her success to the support provided by her family, the Forest Park community and Osburn.
McGowan said PTK is important to her because it gives her and other students a place to better themselves without the negative pressures of competition.
Attendees at this year’s PTK Catalyst were able to hear speakers such as Laurie Hernandez (Olympic medalist), Miguel Cervantes (Broadway actor) and Steve Burns (original “Blue’s Clues” host) and participate in the largest transfer fair in the country.