This past summer the Laurels Mortar Board chapter at Kent State University was honored for its academic and community service excellence at the 2010 Mortar Board National Conference.

The chapter was one of 77 chapters to receive the Silver Torch Award. This award is presented to chapters that meet the chapter management standards. The winning chapters also have to exemplify the three ideas that Mortar Board stands for: scholarship, leadership and service.

Brenda McKenzie, Kent Mortar Board chapter adviser, says in order to receive the award the chapter also had to participate in the annual Mortar Board national service initiative that was adopted in 2002.

"The Laurels chapter participates annually in Mortar Board's national service initiative, Reading is Leading. The nice aspect of their participation is the ability to give back to local community schools by providing money for books for elementary-age children," McKenzie says.

Mortar Board is a national honor society that recognizes college seniors. Through Mortar Board, college seniors are given opportunities to continue leadership development, promote services to colleges and universities and encourage lifelong contributions to the global community.

McKenzie says Mortar Board is an opportunity for seniors to give back to the community and its campus.

"This is not just something to put on their resume without any involvement. The group has been involved in numerous service projects in the past and this year is looking to do more on campus to increase their visibility," McKenzie says.

For more information on the Laurels Mortar Board chapter at Kent State, call 330-672-2480 or visit www.mortarboard.org.