September 23, 2025
POPLARVILLE, Miss. — Pearl River Community College student Danielle Reid has joined an elite group of 200 Phi Theta Kappa members nationwide recognized with a Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholarship.
The scholarship, worth $1,000, is part of $200,000 awarded this year by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation to recognize Phi Theta Kappa members for outstanding academic achievement and leadership potential.
Reid, a Poplarville native and graduate of Poplarville High School, was honored to receive the scholarship.
“Being named a Coca-Cola Scholar means that I have been dedicated and worked hard,” said Reid. “I have been steadfast in everything I’ve done, and now it is paying off.”
After graduation, Reid plans to transfer to the University of Southern Mississippi, where she will continue her studies in English education with a minor in psychology.
Her career goal is to become an English teacher at the secondary level.
“Originally, English was my worst subject,” said Reid. “Starting in 10th grade, my teachers began to slowly build me up into the writer I am. In English Composition at PRCC, I learned that I really love reading over people’s creative ideas in their papers.
“I want to be that person who gets to teach others how to write.”
The Leaders of Promise Scholarship helps new Phi Theta Kappa members cover educational costs while pursuing associate degrees.
“We are proud of Danielle’s hard work and dedication,” said Kira Arthurs, PTK advisor and instructor of sociology. “She has jumped feet first into PTK and is currently leading our College Project while also navigating her studies and her job as a tutor.”
The Iota Mu chapter of Phi Theta Kappa has selected its officers for 2025-2026. The chapter serves Pearl River Community College’s Hancock County and Poplarville campuses.
The 2025-26 Iota Mu chapter officers are: Hope Wheat, president and regional officer; Juliana Willis, vice president of scholarship; Danielle Reid, vice president of service; Emily Copeland, vice president of fellowship; Jada Johnson, vice president of leadership; Nick Rogers, vice president of technology services; Lily Tynes, vice president of outreach; Katherine Burge, vice president of research; and Eddie Johnson, vice president of communication.
Bottom Row (left to right): Danielle Reid, Hope Wheat, and Juliana Willis.
Top Row (left to right): Emily Copeland, Lily Tynes, Eddie Johnson, Katherine Burge, and Jada Johnson.
“We have a great group of PTK officers this year who have been working since the summer to plan our chapter projects,” said Dr. Whitney Chambers, PTK advisor and director of advisement. “We hope to continue our positive impact on the campus and community. I look forward to seeing how our officers grow from this experience.”
Iota Mu plans to recognize their chapter officers and new members at their Fall Induction Ceremony on Monday, October 6th, at 6 pm in the Brownstone Center.
For the latest news on Pearl River Community College, visit PRCC.edu and follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter (@PRCC_Wildcats), Instagram (PRCCWILDCATS), Facebook (@PRCCMKTG),and TikTok (@prcc_wildcats).
Article and photography by Laura O’Neill.
