MESA, Arizona -- Oct. 21, 2016 -- Mesa Community College students Jared Carlson and Kristin Shelledy have been named 2016 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholars. These students were selected from more than 1,000 applicants by a panel of independent judges to receive $1,000 each. Students are selected based on outstanding academic achievement and demonstrated leadership potential.  

“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 civic responsibility -- which Jared and Kristin wholeheartedly embraced.”

The scholarship is designed to provide new Phi Theta Kappa members with financial resources to help defray education expenses while enrolled in a two-year college while also encouraging participation in Phi Theta Kappa programs. Both students plan to transfer to a four-year university following graduation.

Jared Carlson Jared Carlson is a physics major who plans to transfer to the University of Arizona to obtain a  bachelor’s degree in physics, earn a doctorate in plasma physics and work in the field of nuclear fusion. He is active in the Honors Program, the Math Club (named Math Student of the Month by his professor) and the Latter-day Saints Student Association (LDSAA).

Kristin Shelledy Kristin Shelledy, a pre-pharmacy major, plans to attend the University of Arizona College of Pharmacy after graduation and would like to work for NASA as an aerospace pharmacist. She is a NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars (NCAS) alumna, president of a local Toastmasters club and participated in the Zoowalk for Autism.

Shelledy said she is thankful for the award.

“This scholarship will help me pay back student loans I needed to cover my tuition,” Shelledy said. “Paying down my student loans while still in school will help me avoid interest after I graduate.”

This program is sponsored by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation and is administered by Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.

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

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 lifelong learning. Host to 40,000 students annually, MCC offers more than 195 degree 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. Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2015, MCC is one of 10 colleges in 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) of the North Central Association (NCA) http://www.ncahlc.org

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