News Article

FSW Student Kelly Maguire Named Coca-Cola Academic Team Gold Scholar

Apr 16, 2020

APRIL 16, 2020 – FORT MYERS, FLA — Florida SouthWestern State College student Kelly Maguire has been named a 2020 Coca-Cola Academic Team Gold Scholar and will receive a $1,500 scholarship.

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. Each scholar also receives a commemorative medallion.

Maguire is a member of the FSW Honors Scholar Program, the FSW Leadership Academy, the FSW Campus Activities Board, Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the National Society for Collegiate Scholars (NSCS), and she is a founder and president of FSW’s chapter of the Active Minds club, a nationally known mental health organization.

“It feels a bit surreal to be named a gold scholar,” Maguire said. “I was shocked when I read the award letter, and thrilled at the same time. I have struggled with self-confidence and believing that I am worthy of something as huge as this, but I think it came at the perfect time for me. The times of darkness have helped me appreciate so much more of the light that exists in this world, and for that, I am most grateful.”

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

“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.”

Phi Theta Kappa is the premier honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders. The Society is made up of more than 3.5 million members and nearly 1,300 chapters in 11 nations, with approximately 240,000 active members in the nation’s colleges. Learn more at ptk.org.

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Florida SouthWestern State College is Southwest Florida’s largest and most affordable institution of higher education. Annually serving nearly 22,000 students globally, FSW offers a variety of nationally-ranked, career-focused academic programs with two- and four-year degrees and professional certifications, several with 100 percent licensure pass and job placements rates. Study and travel abroad opportunities are available for students through FSW’s Center for International Education. Students are also active in clubs and programs catered to their interests. FSW debuted its first Women’s Volleyball program in Fall 2019. Visit www.FSW.edu for more information.

Last Updated: July 1, 2020