Collin College Students Named 2024 Coca-Cola Academic Team Gold, Silver Scholars

Collin College students Simrah Sajjad from Plano and Alan Tovar from McKinney have been named 2024 Coca-Cola Academic Team Gold Scholars, each receiving a $1,500 scholarship. Additionally, students Jersey Johnson from McKinney and Nathan Gray from Dallas have been named 2024 Coca-Cola Academic Team Silver Scholars, with each receiving a $1,250 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.

Sajjad plans to transfer to The University of Texas at Dallas to pursue a bachelor’s degree in cognitive science with plans to become a physician assistant.

“Receiving this recognition is incredibly meaningful to me,” she said. “It validates all the hard work and dedication I've put into my academic pursuits, and it motivates me to continue striving for excellence.”

Tovar focuses his studies at Collin on core engineering and math classes to prepare him to pursue an electrical engineering bachelor’s degree.

“Receiving this recognition means a lot because it is a testament to the hard work I have put into community college,” he said. “Collin College was the perfect way to continue my studies after high school.”

Johnson, a computer science student, expressed the great significance of this accolade, particularly as a first-generation student navigating her college journey with limited guidance.

“Often, I have doubted if I’m on the right track. However, through hard work and determination I have been able to set aside that doubt and reach heights I never knew possible,” she said. “This scholarship is proof that my dedication and passion in my higher education is recognized.”

Gray, who plans to attend Texas A&M this fall, described the recognition as the culmination of rigorous efforts over the past year.

“We are committed to this work because we are proud members of Phi Theta Kappa, and to represent an incredible advisor team. Recognition through scholarships and awards is an added honor,” Gray said. “But after a lot of hustlebehind the scenes, it feels great to walk the stage and soak in the accomplishments for a short moment.”

Jane Hale Hopkins, president of the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, emphasized the organization’s commitment to supporting exceptional community college students.

“We are proud to partner with Phi Theta Kappa to make it possible for more deserving students to achieve their educational goals and support tomorrow’s global community leaders,” she said.”

Candidates for the academic team are nominated by college administrators based on criteria including academic excellence, leadership, and community engagement.

Coca-Cola Academic Team members will be recognized in both local and statewide ceremonies. They were recognized internationally during Phi Theta Kappa’s annual convention, PTK Catalyst in Orlando, Florida, on April 4-6.

“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.”

Collin College serves more than 58,000 credit and continuing education students annually and offers more than 200 degrees and certificates, including a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), a Bachelor of Applied Technology (BAT) in Cybersecurity, a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Construction Management, and a new Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Clinical Operations Management. The only public college based in Collin County, Collin College is a partner to business, government, and industry, providing customized training and workforce development. For more information, visit www.collin.edu.