Sherin Named 2024 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholar

Published on Sep 20, 2024

Lexington, KY - Rachel Sherin from Bluegrass Community and Technical College (BCTC) in KY is one of 210 Phi Theta Kappa members named a 2024 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholar and will receive a $1,000 scholarship. 

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. Nearly 1,500 applications were received.

A total of $210,000 will be awarded this year 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 United States military. The remaining amount is supported by donations to the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation, which provides multiple 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, 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." 

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. 

"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."

"I am really glad I was selected to win this scholarship," said Sherin.  "I became a member of PTK last semester and being a part of this organization and winning this scholarship will help me with my tuition. My plan is to complete my Associate’s in science degree at BCTC and transfer to the University of Kentucky to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in biology.  I hope to be an orthopedic surgeon one day."

"We are so excited that one of our own students was selected for the Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholarship. Rachel serves as our PTK Fellowship Vice-President," said Kimberly Ross-Brown, BCTC Faculty Advisor of PTK Alpha Phi Chapter. "For those students who received an invitation to join PTK, please join. There are so many scholarship and leadership opportunities for you at BCTC and within our community."

"This is yet another example of how our students embody the college's mission and actively engage in student organizations to support their aspirations," said Dr. Greg Feeney, BCTC President/CEO. "Rachel is on her way to achieving her goal of becoming a surgeon, thanks to the relationships she has built with peers, faculty, and staff who will guide her in finding the necessary support. We are grateful to the Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholar program for recognizing one of tomorrow's future leaders."