Above: Two Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College students received Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team scholarships. From left: Kaitlyn Benton, a student from the Perkinston Campus, was named a Bronze Scholar, and Tina Nguyen, a student from the Jackson County Campus, was named a Gold Scholar.

Phi Theta Kappa has named two Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College students 2014 Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team Scholars. MGCCC is the only community college in the state to have two students receive the honor. Statewide, only seven students were chosen.

Tina Nguyen, a student from the Jackson County Campus, was named a Gold Scholar. Nguyen, of Ocean Springs, will graduate from MGCCC in May. She plans to attend The University of Mississippi to pursue a medical degree, specializing in women’s and children’s health.  “I found out the day before the Phi Theta Kappa ceremony in Jackson that I would receive the award, and I was shocked,” she said. “The competition was fierce. It was a thrill to know that out of so many applicants, I was one of only 50 Gold Scholars nationwide.”

Kaitlyn Benton, a student from the Perkinston Campus, was named a Bronze Scholar. Benton, a Gulfport native, is a sophomore graduating in May 2014. She plans to transfer to The University of Southern Mississippi, Gulf Coast, and will major in secondary education with an English licensure. “I was totally surprised when it was announced because the chances were so slim for any of us to get it,” she said. “Only seven of 53 Mississippi applicants received scholarships. I’m so thankful to be one of them.”

The Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team is a national scholarship program that annually recognizes 150 community college students. Competition for the prestigious honor is rigorous, with students competing against more than 1,700 applicants from across the nation. Scholarship recipients are selected based on academic rigor, demonstration of leadership and service, campus and community engagement, letters of recommendation, and overall scholastic application.

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