October's been a banner month for Cowley student Houk

Being named Student Athlete for the month of October, then voted as a finalist for Queen Alalah, Cowley County Community College's Megan Houk has received a lot of attention lately.

Add another award to her resume.

Houk, a sophomore psychology major from Valley Center, recently was named the October Student of the Month at Cowley.

"I was surprised I got it," said Houk, the daughter of Cindi Houk and Loren Houk. "I thought a lot of students on those ballots deserved it more than I did. Still, I'm honored and grateful."

Houk certainly has been in the limelight in October. She holds a 4.0 grade-point average, is president of the Student Government Association, and is a member of Phi Theta Kappa. On top of all that, Houk is captain of the Lady Tiger volleyball team.

Still, Houk remains as humble as ever. She said peers look up to a Student of the Month.

"It's somebody who works hard and puts time into academics and works to better themselves and at being a role model for other students," Houk said. "I try my hardest to be a good role model for everybody else. Being a Student Ambassador, (sponsor) Sue's (Saia) told us we have to be good role models."

Houk credits her parents for instilling in her the importance of education.

"They both taught us kids good study skills," Houk said. "Homework always came first. You had to get that done before watching television. They always had high standards for us."

Houk recalls one time when older brother Ian was getting a C in a high school class. "Mom grounded him until he got the grade up," she said. Older brother Seth is an offensive guard for the Wake Forest University football team.

Houk isn't sure what she wants to do beyond Cowley, but she hopes to continue playing volleyball.
"I know I want to go to a four-year (school) somewhere," she said. "Volleyball will determine that."

Houk was one of five Cowley sophomore women who were finalists for the title of Queen Alalah LXX. Coronation was held 8 p.m. Oct. 26 in W.S. Scott Auditorium on Cowley's main campus.

Houk said she almost didn't come to Cowley.

"(Former Cowley volleyball teammate) Breann Roach suggested I look at Cowley," Houk said. "She told (former head coach) Deb (Nittler) about me and watched me play. I came for a visit and liked it a lot. She offered me a scholarship and I came."

Houk's first visit came on Senior Day in December.

"The people on campus were really nice, really friendly," Houk said.

Houk said she's learned a lot during her time at Cowley.

"I've had a very good experience," she said. "It's a really good academic school. I've definitely learned a lot in my classes. And even with volleyball, I've learned a lot about my game."