August 23, 2024
Two Pearl River Community College sophomore students have received 2024-25 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholarships.
The scholarships, worth $1,000 each, go to sophomores Summer Powers of Sumrall and Madeleine “Finn” Elise Smith of Hattiesburg.

“I am elated that two of our (Beta Tau Gamma) chapter members have been recognized as Leaders of Promise this fall by Phi Theta Kappa and Coca-Cola,” said Dr. Teri Ruckel, a Phi Theta Kappa advisor at the Forrest County Campus.
“Students applied at the end of the spring semester, and these two outstanding students will receive the scholarship that will help to defray the expenses of their second year of community college.”
The Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholarship program helps new Phi Theta Kappa members defray educational expenses while enrolled in associate degree programs.
Scholars are encouraged to assume leadership roles by participating in Society programs and are selected based on scholastic achievement, community service, and leadership potential.
“These scholarships are based on their outstanding academic achievements and leadership potential. Their success underscores Pearl River’s continued recognition as a premier college on a national level,” said Dr. Ruckel.
Powers and Smith are members of the Dr. William Lewis Honors Institute.
Powers, 18, is a Health Sciences major and plans to attend the University of Mississippi next fall following her graduation from PRCC. She is a Phi Theta Kappa officer and member of the Student Government Association.
“Receiving this scholarship means that I have been recognized by my hard work last semester,” said Powers. “I am very grateful for the opportunity.”
Smith, 19, says her major is Professional Meteorology. She would like to obtain her Master’s degree from Mississippi State University and intern at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a United States agency that studies and predicts changes in the climate, weather, oceans, and coasts.
“Receiving this scholarship has been a pivotal moment for me as someone who is just emerging as a scholar,” said Smith.
Powers and Smith said they could not have won this award without the help of people around them.
“It’s a privilege to be able to attend PRCC and honor their values every day,” said Powers.
Added Smith, “Being a PRCC student gives me a feeling of promise and belonging unrivaled by any other institution.”
For the latest news on Pearl River Community College, visit PRCC.edu and follow us on Twitter (@PRCC_Wildcats), Instagram (PRCCWILDCATS), Facebook (@PRCCMKTG), and TikTok (@prcc_wildcats).
Article by Chuck Abadie. Photo by Kaitlyn Jones.