Araceli Landaverde and Sarah Hamlin were among sixteen winners of the prestigious Walter B. Cooper Scholarships. The Walter B. Cooper scholarship winners were announced at the end of the Phi Theta Kappa Texas Leadership Conference. Winners have demonstrated themselves to be well-rounded individuals with active participation in areas reflecting the four hallmarks of Phi Theta Kappa: scholarship, leadership, service, and fellowship.
Araceli serves as the chapter’s Vice President of Scholarship and is a member of Honors Northeast. Her research on Catholicism won a state of Texas Caldwell award and is being considered for publication. She has also competed at the state level in powerlifting and served as a translator within the community. Her long-term goals include working in special education and helping others.
Upon learning of her $1,000 win, Araceli commented: “Being elected for the Walter B Copper was a shock. I had prepared myself for disappointment, convinced I had done poorly. Had it not been for my advisor's encouragement, I would not have applied. Their unwavering support was instrumental. When I felt like giving up, I recalled the high hopes my professors had in me. Their confidence carried me to finish my application. I owe this success to my Alpha Mu Chi advisors. The financial support from this scholarship will enable me to continue my education and pursue my dream career as a special needs educator.
Araceli advises, “I encourage you all to take that leap of faith, even when you lack self-confidence. Remember, the only way to guarantee failure is to never try. Listen to your advisors, apply, and do your best. Don't let self-doubt hold you back. Take the risk, and see where it takes you.”
Sarah Hamlin serves as the chapter’s Vice President of Leadership and was recognized at the international level last year as Distinguished Member. An English major and talented artist, she has won numerous awards at the Titus County Fair and serves as an officer in the Sigma Kappa Delta English Honor Society. She also serves as an assistant editor for the college’s award-winning newspaper, The Eagle.
When she learned that she won, Sarah noted: “Being awarded the Walter B. Cooper scholarship definitely came as a surprise to me. I did not have a lot of confidence in my chances, but I am very grateful to receive such an award. I plan to transfer to a four-year school after I graduate, so this money will go a long way for me as I continue my education. I would definitely encourage anyone that could use the financial help to apply for this scholarship! “
The current two winners make a total of fourteen Walter B. Cooper Scholarship winners from NTCC. Previous winners include Noah Pettey, Lochlan Scott, Monserrat Rivero-Sanchez (2024), Maxime Risner, Brian Ramirez (2021), Carolina Alcocer-Salas (2020), Tonya Hammonds (2019), Jazmin Garcia (2018), Alicia Cantrell (2017), Tanika Santos-MacSwain (2016), Mary Smith (2015), and Kayleah Cumpian (2014).
