April 17, 2026
East Texas Baptist University inducted 42 students into the prestigious Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society (ALD) during a ceremony at ETBU’s Great Commission Center on Friday, April 17. A national honor society, ALD distinguishes first-year academic success with invitations to join extended only to students who obtain a 3.5 GPA or higher during the first semester of their freshman year.
Among those in attendance for the ceremony were ALD Advisor, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Thomas Sanders, ALD Advisor and Assistant Professor of Speech-Language Pathology Vanessa Johnston, ALD Advisor and Assistant Professor of Education Jennifer Gillaspie, ALD Advisor and Student Success Specialist Elena Silva, ALD President Salina Kilmer, ALD Vice President Brooke Silvertooth, and ALD Co-Secretary Tyler West.
ETBU has now inducted 244 members since the installation of the ETBU chapter of Alpha Lambda Delta in March 2021.
“Being inducted into the Freshman Honor Society means you have started well, and it shows you can finish well,” Dr. Sanders said. “Research tells us that students who begin with this kind of commitment often carry it through to graduation. This recognition is not just about what you’ve done, but about the potential ahead of you. All of your experiences here are shaping you for your calling and preparing you for what lies ahead. That is what matters most.”
ALD holds over 280 chapters nationwide, with over one million students initiated. ALD members enjoy the benefits of joining a community of scholars committed to academic excellence, receiving scholarships with $211,000 awarded each year from ALD headquarters, the opportunity to give back to the community through service projects and volunteerism, and the chance to build on strengths and develop effective communication and leadership skills.
“Serving with others in ALD has been such a memorable part of my experience,” Silvertooth said. “Being surrounded by people who are driven and eager to learn has inspired me to challenge myself and grow in new ways. It’s also given me the chance to become more confident speaking in front of others about what’s important to me, while connecting with people who share similar interests and goals.”
East Texas Baptist inducted the following students into the Alpha Lamda Delta Honor Society:
Sarah Ainsworth
Cassandra Arraf
Dana Barnett
Grace Belisle
Peyton Binger
Annalise Cawley
Grace Dale
Emberlynn Dye
Emma Fuller
Scarlett Gibson
Payton Gilliam
Xhannel Gubalane
Audrey Hall
William Hardy
Jayla Johnson
Caitlyn Jones
Samuel Kurtz
Macie Lee
Jhett Mangum
Yesica Martinez
Macie Mathis
Emmaley Matz
Carter May
Jenna McGuire
Madelynne Miller
Braden Norton
Hannah Pollitz
Alaia Privett
McKenna Ragan
Madeline Rumachik
Haiden Shields
Mallory Sierra
Caroline Smith
Ryan Stratman
Kathryn Strong
Kaylee Thomas
Kynsey Thompson
Ava Trevino
Lauren Vallery
Grace Weiford
Ashley Wells
Joshua White