Northeast Texas Community College is proud to celebrate three exceptional students, Abylene Alexander, Elena Roach, and Benjamin Villenauve, who have been selected as 2026 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholars. Each honoree will receive a $1,000 scholarship to support their academic journey.
The prestigious Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholarship Program assists promising Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) members in defraying educational costs as they pursue their associate degrees. Selected for their academic excellence, community service, and standout leadership potential, scholars are empowered to take on active leadership roles within PTK and across campus.
Meet NTCC’s 2026 Scholars
Abylene Alexander: A dual-credit standout from Avinger, Abylene has already earned high academic honors, including the Eagle Excellence Award and the Boe Award. Highly involved in extracurriculars at her high school, she is expanding her leadership footprint by stepping up as an incoming chapter officer for NTCC’s PTK chapter.
Elena Roach: The anchor of NTCC’s Women’s Soccer defense, Elena earned First Team All-Region Honors during a remarkable freshman season. Recognized as one of the premier young goalkeepers in the region, Elena leads by example with an inspiring work ethic, competitive drive, and unwavering dedication both on the pitch and in the classroom.
Elena's soccer coach, Dillon Williams, said the following: “Elena Roach is truly an amazing and well-rounded person, and this scholarship is a great reflection of the leadership, character, and commitment she brings to everything she does. She understands the importance of being a student-athlete and has shown that her success extends far beyond the soccer field.
Receiving the Phi Theta Kappa 2026 Coca-Cola Leadership of Promise Scholarship speaks volumes about the type of young woman Elena is and the potential she has as a leader. She has a great head on her shoulders, carries herself with maturity, and consistently strives to make herself and those around her better.
I’m extremely proud of Elena and everything she has accomplished, and I know this is only the beginning. It will be amazing to watch her continue to grow and see what the future has in store for her.”
Benjamin Villenauve: A key contributor on the Men’s Soccer Team and an active participant in NTCC’s Work4College program, Ben brings maturity, enthusiasm, and a strong work ethic to everything he does. His reliability and service have made him an instrumental part of campus events and college celebrations.
Empowering Tomorrow's Leaders
Funded by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, this initiative ensures financial barriers don't stand in the way of student potential.
"The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation has a long history of providing financial assistance to outstanding students at community colleges," said Jane Hale Paulsen, President of the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation. "We are proud to partner with Phi Theta Kappa to 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," added Amanda Karpinski Gorman, Executive Director of the PTK 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."
A Tradition of Eagle Excellence
With this year’s awards, NTCC celebrates a milestone legacy of 42 Leaders of Promise Scholars since 2013:
• 2013–2016: Noah Griffin ('13); Kelli Knepp, Tyler Reynolds ('14); Morgan Capps ('15); Dylan McConnell, Ryan-Rose Mendoza ('16)
• 2017–2019: Alicia Cantrell, Rachel Jordan, Cassidy Watkins ('17); Rhylie Anderson, Brynden Andrews, Madison Blood, Hannah Fouche’, Keli Rymer, Jordan Whelchel ('18); Courtney Baldwin, Zachary Davidson, Jacqueline Fouche’, Daniel Landaverde ('19)
• 2020–2022: Carolina Alcocer-Salas, Hannah Barnes, Jaidyn Thompson, Martiza Quinones ('20); Megan Folk, Fatima Fuentes, Skylar Fondren ('21); Paisley McGee ('22)
• 2023–2025: Yoana Amador, Vincent Sellars, Madellyn Smith ('23); Khadijah Anderson, Sarah Dierflinger, Alison Majors, Miriam Simmons, Mary-Faith Wilson ('24); Litzy Flores, Sarah Hamlin, LaDarrius Patterson, Isabel Tresidder ('25)
• 2026: Abylene Alexander, Elena Roach, Benjamin Villenauve
Phi Theta Kappa is the premier honor society recognizing academic achievement at associate degree-granting colleges, empowering over 4.4 million members across 11 nations to grow as scholars and leaders. To learn more, visit ptk.org.
