Megan Folk, Fatima Fuentes, and Skylar Fondren (pictured), students at Northeast Texas Community College, were among the nation’s 207 Phi Theta Kappa members named as 2020 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholars and will each receive a $1,000 scholarship.
A 2020 Work4College and dual-credit student, Folk plans to graduate from NTCC with her associates before her graduation from Mt. Vernon High School. She plans to transfer to UT Tyler and ultimately medical school. Folk said, “I am so excited that I was chosen as a Leader of Promise! It’s proof to me that I have what it takes to follow through on all my goals.”
Fuentes is a 2020 Mt. Pleasant Chamber of Commerce Cinco de Mayo NTCC Foundation Scholarship recipient and is the second-place essay winner for the 2021 Bonnie Spencer Contest held by the NTCC history department. She plans to transfer to Texas A&M Texarkana to continue to pursue a teaching degree. Her ultimate career goal is to become a university academic advisor and help other students find their path to academic success.
“After having a rough start to my day, I was ecstatic when I saw the email! I felt a sense of comfort knowing that I was one step closer to achieving my academic goals. It is such an amazing accomplishment to be able to receive such a prestigious award. I am forever grateful for the many opportunities the PTK organization has to offer,” said Fuentes.
Fondren plans to receive a degree in communications and become a photojournalist with the intention to travel the world and document important events. This upcoming year, she will be a writer for the NTCC Student Newspaper, The Eagle. “I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw the email saying I had been selected to receive this scholarship,” commented Fondren. “I feel so incredibly grateful.”
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 encouraged to assume leadership roles by participating in Society programs and are selected based on scholastic achievement, community service, and leadership potential.
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.
“The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation has a long history of providing financial assistance to outstanding students at community colleges,” said Jane Hale Hopkins, President 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.”
The funds provided by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation not only aid college completion, but also give students the opportunity to engage in Society programs and develop leadership skills to become future leaders in their communities.
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 13 nations. Learn more at ptk.org.
With the three winners this year, NTCC students have won 26 Leaders of Promise scholarships. Previous winners include (2020) Carolina Alcocer-Salas, Hannah Barnes, Maritza Quinones, Jaidyn Thompson, (2019) Daniel Landaverde, Jacqueline Fouche’, Zachary Davidson, Courtney Baldwin, (2018) Jordan Whelchel, Keli Rymer, Hannah Fouche’, Madison Blood, Brynden Andrews, Rhylie Anderson, (2017) Cassidy Watkins, Rachel Jordan, Alicia Cantrell, (2016) Ryan-Rose Mendoza, Dylan McConnell, (2015) Morgan Capps, (2014) Tyler Reynolds, Kelli Knepp, and (2013) Noah Griffin.
To learn more about the Phi Theta Kappa chapter at NTCC, email ptk@ntcc.edu or advisors Dr. Matthew Lampert at mlampert@ntcc.edu, Dr. Melissa Fulgham at mfulgham@ntcc.edu, or Andrea Reyes at areyes@ntcc.edu.
