Copiah-Lincoln Community College student Mary Berry, of Silver Creek, has been named a 2024 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholar, and awarded a $1,000 scholarship.

A student at the Simpson County Center, Berry is one of 210 Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society members named to the 2024 honor. The Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholarship Program helps new PTK 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. Nearly 1,500 applications were received. 

Berry is a sophomore majoring in psychology, and is an active member of the Beta Xi Psi chapter of Phi Theta Kappa. After completing studies at Co-Lin, Berry plans to attend Mississippi State University and earn a master’s degree in psychology with plans to become a child psychologist, specializing in children with post-traumatic stress disorder.

A total of $210,000 will be awarded this year through the Leaders of Promise Scholarship Program. The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation provides $200,000 in funding for the scholarships, with $25,000 set aside for members who are veterans or active members of the United States military. The remaining amount is supported by donations to the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation, which provides multiple Global Leaders of Promise Scholarships earmarked for international students.

“The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation has a long history of providing financial assistance to outstanding students at community colleges,” said Jane Hale Hopkins, President of the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation. “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 leaders of the global community.” 

The funds provided by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation not only aid college completion but also give students the opportunity to engage in Society programs and develop leadership skills to become future leaders in their communities. 

“Research shows that Phi Theta Kappa members are four times more likely to complete a college degree than their peers,” said Dr. Monica Marlowe, Executive Director of the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation. “The Leaders of Promise Scholarships recognize students for what they have achieved already and assure that financial need isn’t an obstacle to achieving their academic goals.”