HGTC Student is Leader of Promise Scholar
Jackson, MS – Valarie Paterson, a student majoring in Digital Arts at Horry-Georgetown
Technical College, has been selected to receive a $1,000 scholarship from Phi Theta
Kappa Honor Society as a 2014 Coca-Cola Leader of Promise Scholar.
Selected as 2014 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholars, 207 Phi Theta Kappa members
have been awarded a total of $207,000 in scholarships. Chosen from more than 900 applications
worldwide, the scholars receive scholarships of $1,000 each to further their associate
degree studies. Independent judges evaluate the applications based on scholastic achievement,
community service and leadership potential.
The Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholarship Program provides new Phi Theta Kappa
members with financial resources to help defray educational expenses while enrolled
in associate degree programs. Scholars are also encouraged to assume leadership roles
by participating in Society programs.
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 Leaders of Promise Global Scholarships, earmarked for international students.
"These funds not only aid college completion, but provide students with the opportunity
to engage in Society programs and develop leadership skills to become future leaders
in Phi Theta Kappa. So the funds are not only an investment in our students, they
are an investment in the future of our organization and the colleges and communities
we serve,” said Dr. Rod Risley, Executive Director and CEO of Phi Theta Kappa. “Congratulations
to our 2014 recipients. Without a doubt the Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise program will
make a tremendous impact on the lives of these hard-working, high-achieving students
-- making it possible for them to complete their associate degrees."
"The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation has a long history of providing financial assistance
to outstanding students at community colleges," said J. Mark Davis, President of the
Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation. "We are proud to partner with Phi Theta Kappa and make
it possible for more deserving students to achieve their educational goals. Phi Theta
Kappa members are proven scholars, engaged students who want to use their abilities
to make a difference. In designating $200,000 for Leaders of Promise, the Coca-Cola
Scholars Foundation is supporting tomorrow's leaders of the global community."
Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, headquartered in Jackson, Miss., is the largest honor
society in higher education with 1,285 chapters on college campuses in all 50 of the
United States, plus Canada, Germany, the Republic of Palau, Peru, the Republic of
the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, the British Virgin Islands,
the United Arab Emirates and U.S. territorial possessions. Nearly 3 million students
have been inducted since its founding in 1918, with approximately 132,000 students
inducted annually.
Contact: Melissa Mayer melissa.mayer@ptk.org 601.984.3684