TOMBALL, Texas – LSC-Tomball students Ashley Zbylot and Jacquelyn Trott have been named 2018 Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team Scholars. The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation sponsors the Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team program by recognizing 50 Gold, 50 Silver and 50 Bronze Scholars, and providing nearly $200,000 in scholarships annually.
Zbylot, a Gold Scholar, receives a $1,500 scholarship and a special medallion. Trott, a Bronze Scholar receives, $1,000 and a special medallion. Phi Theta Kappa, the national Honor Society for two-year colleges, administers the Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team Program and recognizes Coca-Cola Community College scholars during All-State Community College Academic Team Recognition ceremonies held in 38 states.
Phi Theta Kappa, headquartered in Jackson, Mississippi, is the largest honor society in higher education with 1, 285 chapters on college campuses in all 50 of the United States, U.S. territorial possessions and eight sovereign nations. More than 3 million students have been inducted since its founding in 1918, with approximately 134,000 students inducted annually.
“It feels absolutely incredible to have been awarded the Coca-Cola gold scholarship,” said Zbylot, who plans to transfer to Texas A&M University this fall majoring in English. “I was completely taken by surprise and I'm still over the moon about it. Honestly, I never anticipated being selected for such an honor. A couple of semesters ago I remember looking at a picture of a Coca-Cola scholar and thinking ‘Oh, I could never accomplish something like that.’ I am so grateful to my professors, mentors, and my advisors for encouraging me to branch out. They have helped me grow so much.”
Trott, who plans to transfer to a four-year university this fall, but is waiting to hear back from several schools, will also major in English.
“It feels amazing to have been awarded the Coca-Cola scholarship,” Trott said, before adding, “I am so incredibly lucky to have been given the opportunity to apply and the opportunities to be involved in as many things as I was to be able to receive the scholarship.”
To be selected for the scholarship, community college presidents or their designated nominators may submit no more than two nominations per campus for this award. An independent panel of judges considers outstanding academic rigor, grade point average, academic and leadership awards, and engagement in college and community service in the selection process.
Both Zbylot and Trott thanked nominators and the panel of judges for selecting them. They also thanked the Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team Program for investing in their future.
“This scholarship is going to help alleviate a lot of stress about paying for school and allowing me to complete my educational and personal goals,” said Trott.
Zbylot, the recipient of a $1,500 scholarship, said she hopes to one day come back and teach at a community college.
“I would like the chance to mentor and build others up through education, just as I have been,” Zbylot said. “The time I have spent at Lone Star has been so inspirational, and I want to share that experience with others. I am so grateful to everyone who has had a hand in shaping my life on campus.”
Lone Star College-Tomball is located at 30555 Tomball Parkway, at the intersection of SH 249 and Zion Road. For more information about the college, call 281.351.3300 or visit LoneStar.edu/Tomball.
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Known for its leadership, innovation and steadfast commitment to student success, Lone Star College provides high-quality academic transfer and workforce education/career training programs to more than 83,000 credit students each semester, and a total enrollment of 95,000 students. LSC is training tomorrow’s workforce today and redefining the community college experience to promote student success and economic prosperity. Stephen C. Head, Ph.D., is the chancellor of LSC, the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area, which consists of six colleges, eight centers, two university centers, Lone Star Corporate College and LSC-Online. To learn more visit LoneStar.edu.