Sonia Halabi to Join the Inaugural Class of Phi Eta Sigma's Member of Distinction Program

LEBANON, Ill. – Sonia Halabi, a sophomore majoring in sociology with an emphasis in criminal justice at McKendree University, will be inducted into the inaugural class of Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society’s Member of Distinction program this fall. She, along with 18 other students across the United States, will be recognized at the Phi Eta Sigma National Convention, which will take place from October 14-16 in Birmingham, Ala. In addition to earning this significant honor, Sonia will receive exclusive graduation regalia and special programming opportunities.

A resident of South Barrington, Ill., Sonia met the qualifications for eligibility into this prestigious program, which include participating in a minimum of four Member of Distinction qualifying programs, earning a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale and being a member in good standing in McKendree’s chapter of Phi Eta Sigma.

“I look forward to being inducted as a Member of Distinction at the National Conference in October, which is really special as this year will be Phi Eta Sigma’s 100th-year anniversary,” Sonia said.

Sonia also received a $5,000 scholarship from Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society this past spring. In order to qualify, she had to fill out an application, maintain a high grade point average, demonstrate involvement and participation in Phi Eta Sigma and extracurricular activities and garner letters of recommendation. She will also be a Media Chapter Officer for McKendree for the 2022-2023 academic year.

Sonia is thankful for those who wrote letters of recommendation and guided her along her journey. “Always keep working hard toward your dreams. The feeling is wonderful when they come true,” she said.

Phi Eta Sigma was founded in 1923 at the University of Illinois and is the nation’s oldest and largest honor society for first-year college and university students in all disciplines. The society’s mission is to encourage and reward academic excellence among first-year students in institutions of higher learning. The 378th chapter of Phi Eta Sigma was chartered at McKendree University on April 24, 2014. 

 

Sophomore Sonia Halabi, a resident of South Barrington, Ill., will be inducted into the inaugural class of Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society’s Member of Distinction program this fall. She will also serve as a Media Chapter Officer at McKendree for the 2022-2023 academic year. In this photo, she is wearing her Phi Eta Sigma Chapter Officer Medallion.