Pearl River Community College student Raven Sterling will be able to further her education with money from the Coca-Cola Scholarships Foundation.
Sterling, 20, of Hattiesburg, will receive a $1,500 Coca-Cola Gold Scholarship.
“To win this Gold Scholar Scholarship for Coca-Cola’s Academic Team proves my hard work and dedication to Phi Theta Kappa and Pearl River Community College has paid off,” said Sterling, who graduated from Oak Grove High School.
A sophomore, Sterling plans to major in criminology at Mississippi State University.
“I am so blessed to have received such an honor and I owe it all to my parents (Bobby and Shannon Sterling) who have supported me through everything and taught me perseverance, my advisors who have helped me grow in leadership and further my education, and Phi Theta Kappa, an organization that has changed my life tremendously by presenting such amazing opportunities,” said Sterling.
She currently serves as president of the Beta Tau Gamma chapter of Phi Theta Kappa at the Forrest County Center. She is also a member of the Dr. William A. Lewis Honors Institute at PRCC and former president of the Social Sciences Club.
Dr. Terri Smith Ruckel, dean of the Honors Institute, thinks Sterling is more than deserving of this honor.
“She has a passion for learning and for leading that separates her from most college students,” said Dr. Ruckel. “She is bright and has a terrific work ethic.”
Selection as a Coca-Cola Gold Scholar is based on scores the student earned in the All-USA Academic Team competition, for which more than 2,000 applications were received this year. This program is sponsored by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation and is administered by Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.
Phi Theta Kappa will recognize the 2019 Coca-Cola Academic Team Scholars on stage at PTK Catalyst, Phi Theta Kappa’s Annual Convention, April 4-6 in Orlando, Florida.
Throughout the spring, 39 states host All-State Academic Team Recognition ceremonies, where Coca-Cola Gold Scholars are recognized.
“This scholarship allows me to pursue my greatest dream, and I cannot be more thankful and proud than I am now,” Sterling said.
