Phi Theta Kappa Students Receive Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholarship Award

Three PCCC students, members of the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society, have been selected to receive the 2024 Leaders of Promise Scholarship, sponsored by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation.

Cristy Sarmiento, Maria Posada, and Venus John (as pictured) are among 200 Phi Theta Kappa members who will each receive a $1,000 scholarship award. The recipients are selected based on outstanding academic achievement and demonstrated leadership potential.

“I am one proud advisor,” said Dr. Jennifer Gasparino, the faculty advisor to Alpha Eta Chi, PCCC’s chapter of Phi Theta Kappa and one of the most honored chapters of the international honor society for two-year colleges.

Maria, an education major, plans to become an ESL teacher and currently serves as president of Phi Theta Kappa’s Middle States Region.  Cristy is a biology major who plans to enter the medical profession. She currently serves as Executive Public Relations Officer for Alpha Eta Chi. Venus is also a biology major with a goal to become a sports medicine doctor. She served as a Peer Mentor for the STEM program and also as an Honors-in-Action co-chair for Phi Theta Kappa.

Each year, The Leaders of Promise Scholarship recognizes 200 Phi Theta Kappa members with awards totaling $200,000. A panel of independent judges selected this year’s recipients from nearly 1,500 applicants, according to Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner, the president and chief executive officer of PTK, in her letter announcing the awards to Dr. Steven Rose, president of PCCC.

The Leaders of Promise Scholarship Program was launched in 2001 to assist new Phi Theta Kappa members obtain an associate degree and encourage participation in PTK programs.

“Today, the Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholarship is more relevant than ever as our organization, colleges, and communities actively encourage the completion of a college credential, an associate degree, or a certificate among college students,” said Dr. Tincher-Lader.

Congratulations to Cristy, Maria, and Venus on their academic achievement, leadership activity, and commitment to Phi Theta Kappa and to PCCC.