Students named 2019 Coca-Cola Academic Team Scholars

Zachery Zapata, 2019 Coca-Cola Silver Team Scholar.Zachery Zapata, 2019 Coca-Cola Silver Team Scholar. Three students earn scholarships for academic achievements

MESA, Arizona – April 4, 2019 – Three Mesa Community College students, Zachary Zapata, Victoria Johnson and Racheal Mangini, have been named 2019 Coca-Cola Academic Team Scholars in addition to being selected as All-Arizona First Academic Team scholars.

Zapata, a Silver Team Scholar, receives a $1,250 scholarship. He plans to transfer to Arizona State University (ASU) to pursue a degree in preventative health care focusing on dentistry.

Johnson, named Bronze Team Scholar, receives a $1,000 scholarship to transfer to ASU to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing to pursue a career as a nurse practitioner. 

A Gold Team Scholar, Mangini receives a $1,500 scholarship. Her goal is to run a nonprofit committed to improving the lives of lower socio-economic communities. Her plans include transferring to Northern Arizona University and interning at a nonprofit organization.

Victoria Johnson, 2019 Coca-Cola Bronze Team Scholar.Victoria Johnson, 2019 Coca-Cola Bronze Team Scholar. Each scholar also receives a commemorative medallion and will be recognized in both local and statewide ceremonies and internationally during Phi Theta Kappa’s annual convention, PTK Catalyst, April 4-6 in Orlando, Florida.

“Winning a Coca-Cola Academic Team Gold Scholarship is a huge achievement that comes as a result of commitment, dedication, and hard work,” said Mangini. “I feel privileged and blessed to receive this scholarship, and so glad that I selected to enroll at Mesa Community College."

The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation sponsors the Coca-Cola Academic Team program by recognizing 50 Gold, 50 Silver, and 50 Bronze Scholars with nearly $200,000 in scholarships annually. The foundation partners with Phi Theta Kappa, an honor society which recognizes the academic achievement of community college students. The Society has more than 3.5 million members and nearly 1,300 chapters in 10 nations.

The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation has a long history of providing financial assistance to outstanding students at community colleges,” said Jane Hale Hopkins, president, 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.”

Students are nominated for the academic team by their college administrators. Selection is based on academic achievement, leadership, and engagement in college and community service.

Rachael Mangini, 2019 Coca-Cola Gold Team Scholar.Rachael Mangini, 2019 Coca-Cola Gold Team Scholar. “We thank the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation for recognizing these student leaders and for investing in their futures,” said Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner, president and CEO of Phi Theta Kappa. “Scholarships like these are integral to the success of these students in reaching their educational and career goals.”

# # #

Media Contact: Dawn Zimmer, dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu, 480-461-7892

Mesa Community College is nationally recognized as an Aspen Prize Top 150 U.S. Community College and is known for service learning, career and technical programs, civic engagement and innovative approaches to education. The college serves as a resource for career readiness, transfer education, workforce development and lifelong learning. Host to more than 30,000 students annually, MCC offers degree and certificate programs online, at its two campuses, the Mesa Downtown Center and additional locations. Through the implementation of Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services, MCC is transforming ways it champions student success; college completion, university transfer and career attainment for all students. MCC is a Hispanic Serving Institution. The diverse student body includes more than 400 international students representing over 60 countries. Award-winning faculty are dedicated to student success, providing the education and training to empower MCC students to compete locally and globally. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, MCC is one of the 10 colleges in the Maricopa County Community College District. Learn more at mesacc.edu.

Mesa Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District. MCCCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.

Source Details

Publication Date: 
Thursday, April 4, 2019