Springfield, Ohio - Wittenberg University's chapter of Mortar Board, a national honor society for college seniors who demonstrate outstanding achievement in scholarship, leadership and service, has been awarded the national organization's Silver Torch Award. Presented annually, the award honors chapters that make significant accomplishments in these three areas in addition to fulfilling all national criteria and deadlines.

Led by President Evan Barnard, class of 2017 of Wooster, Ohio, Wittenberg's chapter of Mortar Board currently has 26 members. The events hosted by Mortar Board that helped that chapter garner the Silver Torch Award included a book drive, a community cleanup, random acts of kindness days, and a "Last Lecture" Series.

"Mortar Board as an organization tries to provide various services to Wittenberg that encapsulate service, intellectual thought, academic success and the development of leadership," Barnard said. "This year we are looking to continue the strong foundation that was created last year." These include similar events and ones that will focus exclusively on leadership development.

The Silver Torch was presented to honorees at Mortar Board's National Conference in Indianapolis this summer, where Barnard represented Wittenberg's chapter. He stated that the conference provided him with a variety of ideas and ways to promote Mortar Board by engaging students on campus.

Barnard used the conference as an opportunity to learn more about the values and traditions of Mortar Board, and discover new ways for Wittenberg's chapter to reflect these values within their activities.

"Our chapter should celebrate our award at nationals, but also be excited to continue on an upward journey toward earning a Gold Torch at next year's conference," Barnard said.