August 29, 2025
Two Pearl River Community College sophomore students have received 2025-26 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholarships.
The scholarships, worth $1,000 each, go to Madiha Karim of Purvis and Diego Sosa Vazquez of Oak Grove.
The Leaders of Promise Scholarship, sponsored by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, recognizes 200 Phi Theta Kappa members with awards totaling $200,000. Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholars are selected based on outstanding academic achievement and demonstrated leadership potential.
“Working with these students has been a source of great joy and encouragement to me personally,” said Dr. Terri Ruckel, Contact Advisor for PRCC’s PTK Beta Tau Gamma chapter at the FCC.
“They each have worked to achieve outstanding academic success, but each takes the time to make a difference in the lives of other students on our campus. Madiha and Diego both approach leadership with kindness and empathy and prioritize other people’s well-being.”
The Leaders of Promise Scholarship program helps new PTK members defray educational expenses while enrolled in associate degree programs.
Both students are members of the Dr. William Lewis Honors Institute.
Karim, 36, is an architecture major and plans to obtain a four-year degree following her graduation from PRCC. She is also a member of the Mu Alpha Theta and History and Humanities clubs.
“Receiving this scholarship is surreal and exciting at the same time. I am very grateful for this accomplishment,” said Karim, who returned to college after raising three kids.
“Joining college after 15 years, PRCC has been an amazing experience. All the teachers are very helpful and are always encouraging you, making sure you succeed in whatever you do.”
Vazquez, 19, is a philosophy major and plans to transfer to a four-year institution and later attend law school.
“I feel very grateful for this opportunity and I am inspired and motivated to continue to strive for success,” said Vazquez.
He formerly served as president of the Student Government Association at the FCC, as well as president of the History and Humanities Club.
Added Vazquez, “I feel very supported in my goals and academic journey. I also feel very grateful to come across many opportunities that challenge myself in more ways than one.”
PTK officers at Forrest County Campus
New 2025-26 officers of the Beta Tau Gamma chapter of Phi Theta Kappa international honor society were recognized recently at the Forrest County Campus of Pearl River Community College.
They include from left: Seated – Dr. Doug Donohue, advisor; and Dr. Terri Ruckel, Contact Advisor. Standing – Said Otwane, Advisor; Austin Aultman of Sumrall, Vice President of Service; Wyatt Dow of Petal, Vice President of Scholarship; Alexis Brown of Pearl, Vice President of Scholarship; Olivia Collum of Hattiesburg, Vice President of Chapter Engagement; Savannah Gygi of Hattiesburg, Vice President of Fellowship; Diego Sosa Vazquez of Oak Grove, Regional Officer; Maria Posadas, Vice President of Service; Madiha Karim of Purvis, President; Julian Moreno of Hattiesburg, Vice President of Leadership; Francis Preston Hattiesburg, Middle College Ambassador; Kady Martin of Petal, Vice President of Fellowship; Dr. David Collum, Advisor; and Dr. Ryan Ruckel, Advisor.
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Article by Chuck Abadie. Photography by Kaylee Fortenberry.
