By Elisabeth Zarnoti '17

The Adelphi-Gnouthauti chapter of Mortar Board was among the outstanding chapters to be recognized at the 2014 Mortar Board National Conference.

The chapter received the Silver Torch Award,  presented to chapters executing timeliness and dedication while exemplifying the ideals of scholarship, leadership, and service.

Mortar Board is a national honor society that recognizes college seniors  who have met predetermined local scholastic requirements and have demonstrated leadership abilities and service to the the college and community. Knox College's Mortar Board chapter -- the Adelphi-Gnouthautii Chapter (named after two campus debate clubs) -- was founded in 1920, making it the 10th oldest chapter in the nation.

In addition to the Silver Torch Award, the Knox chapter also received the Mortar Board Project Excellence Award for spearheading the Deborah Wing Childrens Carnival last spring.

"The Kids Carnival was a method of including all of our pillars together; it was service to the kids of Galesburg, it was a leadership opportunity for our campus clubs, and it was scholarship because booths included academic subjects such as art and science," said Maricruz Osorio '14, former philanthropy chair of Mortar Board.

Greek organizations, academic clubs, and social science/humanities clubs contributed to the carnival by hosting booths. Activities included finger painting, science experiments, learning about different cultures and food, and games to support supporting literacy.

"The Kids Carnival was really deserving to receive the Project Excellence Award," said Bruce Kovanen '15, president of Mortar Board. "A lot of people dedicated time into making it, and it was met with incredible participation from the students of Knox."