Six Northeast Texas Community College Students recently learned they were named 2018 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise. Rhylie Anderson, Brynden Andrews, Madison Blood, Hannah Fouche, Keli Rymer and Jordan Whelchel will each receive a $1,000 scholarship for earning this national honor.
The Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholarship Program helps new Phi Theta Kappa members defray educational expenses while enrolled in associate degree programs. Scholars are also encouraged to assume leadership roles by participating in society programs and are selected based on scholastic achievement, community service, and leadership potential. More than 1,200 applications were received.
NTCC had more Leaders of Promise than any other community college in the nation, except for Miami Dade College in Florida, which has 165,000 students on 8 campuses. Considering the size of NTCC, no college had a greater portion of their students recognized for their potential as Leaders of Promise.
“This is the largest group of Leaders of Promise NTCC has ever had. This is a testament to the many opportunities which NTCC provides its students, especially those who seek to make a positive impact on the world,” said Dr. Melissa Fulgham, lead advisor for the Phi Theta Kappa chapter on campus. “NTCC’s involved faculty and staff, nationally ranked programs, and innovative opportunities, combined with intelligent, hard-working students cultivating their skills creates opportunities and opens doors for success.”
Anderson, of Winnsboro, is a psychology major who wants to eventually combine her love of music and psychology to help others. Andrews is a recent Chapel Hill High School graduate who took dual credit classes at NTCC and has since transferred to Blinn College as he prepares to attend Texas A&M University to pursue a degree in engineering. Blood, of Big Sandy, is pursuing a degree in agriculture. Fouche, of Daingerfield, is a business major who plans to own her own business one day. Rymer, of Lago Vista, is pursuing a degree in physical therapy and Whelchel, of Daingerfield, is working toward his degree in chemical engineering.
[caption id="attachment_5847" align="alignleft" width="150"]
Brynden Andrews[/caption]
A total of $207,000 is awarded through the Leaders of Promise Scholarship Program. The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation provides $200,000 in funding for the scholarships, with $25,000 set aside for members who are veterans or active members of the U.S. military. The remaining amount is supported by donations to the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation and provides seven Global Leaders of Promise Scholarships, earmarked for international students.
“The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation has a long history of providing financial assistance to outstanding students at community colleges,” said Jane Hale Hopkins, Executive Vice President and President-Elect of the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation. “We are proud to partner with Phi Theta Kappa, make it possible for more deserving students to achieve their educational goals, and support tomorrow’s leaders of the global community.”
“Research shows that Phi Theta Kappa members are four times more likely to complete a college degree than their peers,” said Dr. Monica Marlowe, Executive Director of the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation. “The Leaders of Promise Scholarships recognize students for what they have achieved already and assure that financial need isn’t an obstacle to achieving their academic goals.”
Phi Theta Kappa is the premier honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders. The Society is made up of more than 3.5 million members and nearly 1,300 chapters in 10 nations. Learn more at ptk.org.
If you would like to learn more about NTCC’s chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, contact Dr. Melissa Fulgham at mfulgham@ntcc.edu.
