The Chi Chapter of Sigma Alpha at West Virginia University was recently recognized for having the highest cumulative grade-point average among the sororitys 80 collegiate chapters.

A professional agricultural sorority centered in the WVU Davis College of Agriculture, Forestry and Consumer Sciences, Sigma Alpha promotes scholarship, leadership, service and fellowship among its members. The chapters 28 members are carrying a cumulative GPA of 3.57.

President Amy DeHaven, a senior agribusiness management and rural development major from Martinsburg said she was surprised when she heard the news.

Everyone is very focused on their studies, but it never occurred to me that wed have the highest GPA ,DeHaven said.Its an extreme honor to be recognized for this achievement.

Although classes and homework come first, each sister is devoted to the sorority and its philanthropy, active in at least one other WVU student organization, and most are also holding part-time jobs.

Were all carrying full course loads and working jobs. Its extremely hard to fit everything in, but everything comes together if you set your mind to it and manage your time wisely,DeHaven said.

Part of managing their time includes working with Sigma Alphas national philanthropyAgriculture in the Classroom. A grassroots program coordinated by the United States Department of Agriculture, the program helps students gain a greater awareness of the role of agriculture in the economy and society.

We teach lessons on agriculture in elementary schools and are gearing up for National Agriculture Day on March 21,DeHaven explained.

Along with the national philanthropy, the sisters have also worked with the Red Cross to promote the importance of blood drives, adopted Riley St. in Morgantown, and participated in the Linus Project for WVU Childrens Hospital.

Members recognized for their accomplishments include:

  • Cassie Brown , Agribusiness Management and Rural Development, Belleville, W.Va.
  • Amie Cranye , Agricultural and Extension Education, Waynesburg, Pa.
  • Jessica Danner , Animal and Nutritional Sciences, Charles Town, W.Va.
  • Janet Deem , Animal and Nutritional Sciences, Ronceverte, W.Va.
  • Amy DeHaven , Agribusiness Management and Rural Development, Bunker Hill, W.Va.
  • Kelly DeLucy , Animal and Nutritional Sciences, Morgantown, W.Va.
  • Lahoma Donald , Animal and Nutritional Sciences, Hurricane, W.Va.
  • Tiffany Edwards , Elementary Education, Forest Hills, Md.
  • Anna Harris , Agribusiness Management and Rural Development, Westmoreland, N.H.
  • Jessica Herndon , Agricultural and Extension Education, Lookout, W.Va.
  • Brianne Jankowski , Agricultural and Extension Education, Spencer, W.Va.
  • Beth Javins , Animal and Nutritional Sciences, Morgantown, W.Va.
  • Susan Lambert , Animal and Nutritional Sciences, Strange Creek, W.Va.
  • Cassidi Layfield , Animal and Nutritional Sciences, St. Marys, W.Va.
  • Karen McDaniel , Horticulture, Standardsville, Va.
  • Lauren Mohler , Animal and Nutritional Sciences, La Plata, Md.
  • Tanya Nickerson , Animal and Nutritional Sciences, Arcade, N.Y.
  • Devan Poling , Agribusiness Management and Rural Development, Camden, W.Va.
  • Laura Reber , Animal and Nutritional Sciences, Kingwood, W.Va.
  • Julie Roop , Agricultural and Extension Education, Thurmont, Md.
  • Jessica Shockley , Agricultural and Extension Education, Charles Town, W.Va.
  • Jodi Smith , Agribusiness Management and Rural Development, Washington, W.Va.
  • Sandy Surgeon , Agricultural and Environmental Education, Alderson, W.Va.
  • Anna Warner , Agricultural and Extension Education, Manchester, Md.
  • Valerie Wells , Wildlife and Fisheries Resources, Orlando, Fla.
  • Tiffany Wilmoth , Animal and Nutritional Sciences, Lost Creek, W.Va.
  • Katie Wright , Animal and Nutritional Sciences, Ashburn, Va.
  • Andrea Young , Agribusiness Management and Rural Development, Hurricane, W.Va.