Twelve Florida College System Students Earn National Scholarships
April 7, 2017
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Twelve Florida College System Students Earn National Scholarships
Tallahassee, Fla., April 7, 2017 – Today, during an awards ceremony in Tallahassee, Florida College System Chancellor Madeline Pumariega honored the 127 Florida College System students who were named to the All-Florida Academic Team. Twelve of those students also earned scholarships ranging in value from $1,000 to $5,000 for demonstrating a commitment to academic excellence, intellectual rigor and community service.
Commissioner Pam Stewart said, “The Florida College System is recognized as a national model for its outstanding institutions, so it is no surprise that 12 of our colleges’ students were selected as recipients of these distinguished scholarships. I am pleased to congratulate these students and to thank Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and Coca-Cola for investing in our students’ continued education.”
Chancellor Madeline Pumariega said, “As Chancellor of the Florida College System, it is my privilege to commend these students on the dedication they have shown to their studies and for the contributions they have made to their communities. These are just a few examples of the many truly remarkable students who make up the Florida College System.”
Listed below are Florida college students who are being recognized with national scholarships.
All-USA Community College Academic Team: Rachel Diaz, Miami Dade College
Rachel Diaz is one of only 20 students nationally to earn a spot on the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society’s All-USA Community College Academic Team, which includes a $5,000 scholarship. Currently, she is enrolled at The Honors College at Miami Dade College North Campus, where she is majoring in Economics. Rachel has demonstrated leadership and commitment to her community by developing a mentorship program for local students. With a long-term goal of becoming a lawyer, Rachel is looking forward to serving as an intern for the U.S. Department of State this summer.
Coca-Cola New Century Scholar Team: Veronica Aguilera, Florida SouthWestern State College
Veronica Aguilera earned a $2,000 scholarship as Florida’s Coca-Cola New Century Scholar. Currently, she serves as the President of Phi Theta Kappa and Vice President of Membership and Public Relations for National Collegiate Scholars. Veronica will continue her studies at Florida International University where she will major in Biology with a Pre-Med focus and a minor in Public Health.
Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team
A Coca-Cola Community Academic Team is selected annually by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation to recognize outstanding leadership, service to the community and academic excellence. Gold scholars are awarded with a $1,500 scholarship, silver scholars receive a $1,250 scholarship and bronze scholars receive a $1,000 scholarship.
- Gold Scholars
- Jayde Smelcer, Chipola College
- Elizabeth Varnum, Chipola College
- Juliana Arias, State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota
- Silver Scholars
- Jonathan Howell, Eastern Florida State College
- Geigh Olson, Florida Keys Community College
- Melissa De La Cruz, Hillsborough Community College
- Bronze Scholars
- Michele Khadir, Broward College
- Caleb Bockoras, Indian River State College
- Alexa Jauregui, Miami Dade College
- Jenifer Rodriguez, Miami Dade College