2016 Coca-Cola scholars Sean West, Misty Stickney and Jacob Sorenson. MESA, Arizona – March 16, 2016 -- Mesa Community College students Jacob Sorenson, Misty Stickney and Sean West have been named 2016 Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team Scholars.

The Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team recognizes high achieving two-year college students who demonstrate academic excellence and intellectual rigor combined with leadership and service that extends their education beyond the classroom to benefit society.

Jacob Sorenson was selected as a Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team Silver Scholar and is scheduled to receive a scholarship disbursement of $1,250 later this year.

Misty Stickney and Sean West were selected as 2016 Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team Bronze Scholars and are scheduled to receive $1,000 scholarships.

All three MCC students are Mesa residents and plan to continue working toward their goals by transferring to a four-year university following MCC graduation in May. Stickney plans to become a recreation activities director who initiates and mobilizes communities to use recreational activities for social growth and development. West plans to pursue a master’s in college student personnel administration so he may qualify for a career in higher education as a director of student life and leadership. Sorenson aims to complete medical school at the Mayo Clinic School of Medicine with a specialization in neurosurgery.

“Each of these exceptional students are members of Omicron Beta, MCC’s chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society,” said Duane Oakes, Phi Theta Kappa Advisor and Faculty Director of MCC’s Center for Community & Civic Engagement. “We work alongside our students to aid their academic success and instill the concept of service as a scholarly responsibility -- which Misty, Sean and Jacob have embraced.”

Selection as a Coca-Cola Scholar was based on scores the students earned in the 2016 All-USA Community College Academic Team competition, for which more than 1,900 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 these students during its annual convention in National Harbor, MD on April 7-9, 2016.

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Contacts
Dawn Zimmer, 480-461-7892, dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu
Sally Mesarosh, 480-461-7283, sally.mesarosh@mesacc.edu

Mesa Community College is nationally recognized for its service-learning, civic engagement and innovative educational programs, which include university transfer, career and technical, workforce development, and life-long learning.  Host to 40,000 students annually, MCC offers more than 195 degrees and certificate programs at its two campuses and additional locations. MCC’s student body hails predominantly from the East Valley of Phoenix and includes Veteran, American Indian and International students who enrich the learning experience. Award-winning faculty are dedicated to student success providing the education and training that empowers MCC students to compete locally and globally. MCC is one of 10 colleges that comprise the Maricopa County Community College District. The District also includes the Maricopa Corporate College and two skill centers. For additional information, visit mesacc.edu.

Mesa Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) http://www.ncahlc.org, 800-621-7440.

The Maricopa County Community College District is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.