Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation Awards MCC Students $1,000 Scholarships

Manchester, CT – (April 22, 2009) . . . Manchester Community College students Daniel Lolos of East Hampton and Marcia Perugini of Tolland have each been awarded a $1,000 scholarship from the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation. Lolos has been selected as a bronze scholar and Perugini has been selected as a Coca-Cola finalist.

A ceremony honoring the students was held on Friday, April 24 at the State Capitol in Hartford.

The Coca-Cola All-State Community College Academic Team program provides up to $450,000 in stipends to students attending higher-education institutions granting two-year degrees. The top scoring student from each of the fifty states was named a New Century Scholar and received a $2,000 stipend. Fifty students were named Gold Scholars, receiving $1,500; fifty students were named Silver Scholars, receiving $1,250; and fifty students were named Bronze Scholars, receiving $1,000. All scholars also received special medallions and were recognized in the April issue of USA TODAY. An additional 150 national finalists were selected from multiple states; each received a $1,000 stipend.

Phi Theta Kappa, two-year college presidents, and community college state associations co-sponsor All-State Academic Team ceremonies in 38 participating states. Students nominated to the national All-USA/All-State Academic Teams are automatically named to the All-State Academic Teams and are eligible for stipends provided by Coca-Cola. Ranking on the All-State teams is generally determined by the student’s score in the national competition.

Phi Theta Kappa’s mission is to encourage the academic achievement of two-year college students and provide opportunities for individual growth and development through participation in honors, leadership, service and fellowship programming.

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Students of any age who possess the desire to pursue higher education are welcome at Manchester Community College. MCC is proud of its academic excellence, new facilities, flexible schedules, small classes, low tuition and faculty with both academic and “real world” credentials. The College offers over 60 programs, transfer options, financial aid and scholarships, as well as access to baccalaureate degrees through guaranteed admissions programs with several universities. MCC is situated on a park-like campus and is easily accessible from I-84.