ICC Student From Pontotoc Earns Honor

Kimbrell

FULTON, Miss. (Press Release) — Karleigh Kimbrell of Pontotoc, a sophomore at Itawamba Community College, has been named a 2015 Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team Silver Scholar.

A 2013 graduate of Pontotoc High School, Kimbrell is majoring in English at ICC. She is president of Phi Theta Kappa, editor of the Mirror, secretary of the Modern Language Club and a member of the All-American Band. Kimbrell is also an active member of the First Baptist Church in Pontotoc. Her honors include Who’s Who Among Students in American Junior Colleges and the PTK All-Mississippi Academic Team. She is the daughter of Susan Welch.

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.

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. Kimbrell will be among those who receive their awards at the Phi Theta Kappa International Convention, Apr. 16-18, in San Antonio, Tex.

Kimbrell was nominated by ICC President Mike Eaton. An independent panel of judges considered 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 three million students have been inducted since its founding in 1918, with approximately 134,000 students inducted annually.