SCCC student named Coca-Cola 'Leader of Promise'
![SCCC student named Coca-Cola 'Leader of Promise' Abigail Roberts](http://www.townshipjournal.com/binrepository/353x432/0c0/0d0/none/1198400/PLRR/NEWS01_171129977_AR_0_0_TJ20171128171129977_MG3100763.jpg)
NEWTON — To many of her peers and teachers at Sussex County Community College, Abigail Roberts has always been one of those students who has the ability to become a real leader. And now, Coca-Cola agrees.
Roberts was recently named one of just 207 Phi Theta Kappa members from around the country as a 2017 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholar. As such, she will be receiving 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 also encouraged to assume leadership roles by participating in Society programs and are selected based on scholastic achievement, community service, and leadership potential.
"When I applied for it I figured actually getting a scholarship was a long-shot," admitted Roberts. "I am extremely grateful that I was deemed worthy of this honor. I am more motivated than ever to excel in my studies so I do not want to let anyone down."
"Abigail is truly a worthy recipient," said Stephanie Cooper, director of the Library of SCCC. "She has a lot of character and works hard. We expect to hear great things about her in the future."
Roberts, a Hamburg resident who graduated from Wallkill Valley High School, is a sophomore at SCCC. She recently switched her major from Engineering Science to Mathematics.
"Next fall I plan to transfer to Rutgers School of Arts and Sciences to further study math and hopefully become a teacher," noted Roberts, whose passion for math began in high school. "Math can be used to understand how anything works and it is almost an art to how beautiful every proof and theorem pieces together. I want to show others this beauty, and I believe I have the ability and passion to do that."
“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, make it possible for more deserving students to achieve their educational goals, and support tomorrow’s leaders of the global community.”
The scholarship is something that Roberts is very grateful for. "This scholarship really helps me out," she said. "Every dollar matters and this is a huge aid in my education."
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.”
Phi Theta Kappa is the premier honor society recognizing the academic achievement of community college students and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders. The Society is made up of more than 3 million members and nearly 1,300 chapters in nine nations.