Calhoun’s Williamson Named 2013 Coca-Cola Academic Team Silver Scholar

N E W S   R E L E A S E

March 19, 2013

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:  

Janet Kincherlow-Martin

Public Affairs, Community Relations and Special Events

(256) 306-2561

jkm@calhoun.edu

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Calhoun's Williamson Named 2013 Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team Silver Scholar

Andrea Williamson, a student at Calhoun Community College, has been named a 2013 Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team Silver Scholar. The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation sponsors the Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team program by recognizing 50 Gold, 50 Silver and 50 Bronze Scholars, and providing nearly $200,000 in scholarships annually. Each Silver Scholar receives a $1,250 scholarship and a special medallion.

A native of Hartselle, Alabama, Williamson currently holds a 4.0 GPA at Calhoun, and will graduate this May with her associate's degree from the college.  Following graduation, she plans to transfer to the University of North Alabama to pursue her Bachelor's degree in public communications.

Williamson is actively involved in  both college and community activities, which include serving as Vice President of Scholarship for Calhoun's Sigma Lambda chapter of Phi Theta Kappa; a member of Calhoun's Student Government Association and a former Calhoun Warhawk student ambassador.  She will be among the students honored later this week in Montgomery as a member of the 2013 All-Alabama Academic Team and has been recognized as the Most Outstanding Student in Calhoun's History and Speech departments.

"We are so excited and extremely proud to have Andrea recognized as Coca-Cola Scholar this year," commented Calhoun President Marilyn Beck.  "This recognition adds to the growing list of Calhoun students who have been honored on the national level for their academic accomplishments," Beck added.   

Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society administers the Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team Program and recognizes Coca-Cola Community College scholars during All-State Community College Academic Team Recognition ceremonies held in 38 states. Student scholars also receive recognition locally during ceremonies held on campus and internationally for those who are able to attend Phi Theta Kappa's Annual Convention.

Community college presidents or their designated nominators may submit no more than two nominations per campus for this award. An independent panel of judges considers outstanding academic rigor, grade point average, academic and leadership awards, and engagement in college and community service in the selection process.

"We thank the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation for their vote of confidence in community college students by investing in their futures," said Dr. Rod Risley, Executive Director of Phi Theta Kappa. "Their support is especially welcome during this challenging economic climate, as more and more community college students need additional resources to help them complete their 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 deserving students to achieve their educational goals."

Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, headquartered in Jackson, is the largest honor society in American higher education with more than 1,285 chapters on two-year and community college campuses in all 50 of the United States, Canada, Germany, Peru, the Republic of Palau, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, the British Virgin Islands, the United Arab Emirates and U.S. territorial possessions. More than 2.5 million students have been inducted since its founding in 1918, with approximately 135,000 students inducted annually.

        

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