Gamma Iota Shines Bright at AGS Spring Convention

During the weekend of April 25-27, West Valley’s Alpha Gamma Sigma: Gamma Iota chapter attended the 99th Spring Convention held in Ontario, California. During the three-day event, the eight of the chapter’s members attended workshops and recognition ceremonies, in addition to meeting students from other AGS chapters across the state.

Early on the morning of the 25th, members gathered at West Valley College before embarking on a seven-hour drive down to Southern California. Upon arrival in Ontario, the students met with their advisor, Dr. Tim Kelly, to discuss logistics and review the convention schedule. The convention was organized by the Omicron chapter of Santa Ana College, and had the theme of “Agents of Change,” which focused on how students can become leaders within their community.

The convention began with a welcome ceremony and light dinner, followed by a two-game trivia night. After much effort (and with some amount of luck) Gamma Iota won second and third place in the first and second matches, respectively. 

The second day began early, and after a hearty breakfast, the opening ceremony began. 

As part of roll call, where every participating chapter introduced themselves to the other groups, a cheer competition was held. Prizes were awarded in various categories, such as most humorous, most outrageous, and best use of costume. With their unique adaptation of Chappell Roan’s “HOT TO GO!” Gamma Iota won the prize for best use of music.

Following roll call, the remaining day kept everyone busy, with three sessions of workshops and seminars occurring, interspersed with short breaks. During each hour-long session, students were given the freedom to choose between various workshops, with subjects varying from critically using artificial intelligence in higher education to tips and tricks on how to launch a startup, in addition to a breathing workshop.

Following lunch, students had the opportunity to attend the keynote address of the convention, held by former Santa Ana Police Chief David Valentin. In an insightful and inspiring speech, Chief Valentin discussed his experience and life struggles as the first Santa Ana-born police chief.

As the day came to a close, a celebratory dinner was held, where various advisors and students were honored. Scholarship recipients were announced during this time. West Valley’s Amrita Gopal and myself were awarded the prestigious Terry Green Academic Excellence Scholarship Award, in a three-way tie with another student from the Alpha Gamma chapter of Santa Monica college. As the ceremony came to a close, a mirthful evening of dance and music was held, with students gracing the dance floor in an enthusiastic celebration of achievement and leadership.

On the very last day, a simple breakfast took place in parallel to a raffle, where Gamma Iota member Kyle Thompson won the very first prize. After everything was packed in the two cars and students were ready for departure, the Gamma Iota chapter piled into their vehicles, and drove back to West Valley College, hearts filled with gratitude and minds teeming with new knowledge.