Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College proudly announces that 13 of its students have been named 2024 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholars by Phi Theta Kappa (PTK). This prestigious recognition is awarded to new PTK members who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership potential, and a commitment to community service.

The Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholarship Program provides $1,000 scholarships to help defray educational expenses for associate degree students. This year, 210 students were selected from nearly 1,500 applicants nationwide.

MGCCC’s 2024 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholars:

• Angela Cothern– Harrison County Campus, Long Beach. A biology major with plans to attend medical school, Cothern serves as president of the Omicron Alpha Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa. She is also a member of the Honors College and the Collegiate Academy.
• Ciara Ano– Jackson County Campus, Ocean Springs. Ano, an interior design major, holds several leadership roles, including director of Communications and Public Relations for the Pi Epsilon Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, and vice president of the Hispanic American Club.
• Olivia Greenough– Jackson County Campus, Hurley. A bachelor-degree nursing major, Greenough serves as president of Reflections and secretary for both the Student Government Association and Pi Epsilon Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa.
• Lillian Bains– Jackson County Campus, Gautier. Bains, a mechanical engineering major, is an officer in the Pi Epsilon Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa and a representative for the Mississippi/Louisiana PTK Region.
• Riley Ladner– Jackson County Campus, Saucier. Ladner, a mechanical engineering major, is vice president of the Pi Epsilon Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa and a member of the Honors College.
• Marissa Barajas– Jackson County Campus, Moss Point. Barajas, a software engineering major, is president of the Pi Epsilon Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa and holds leadership roles in the Student Government Association, Campus Activities Board, and Hispanic American Club.
• Caroline Nelson– Jackson County Campus, Pascagoula. Nelson, a bachelor-degree nursing major, is the president of the Student Government Association and vice president of the Pi Epsilon Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa.
• Aiden Baudier– Jackson County Campus, Vancleave. Baudier, an industrial engineering major, is a Phi Theta Kappa officer in the Pi Epsilon Chapter and a member of the Honors College.
• Joelys Pacheco– Jackson County Campus, Pascagoula. Pacheco, a bachelor-degree nursing major, serves as vice president of the Pi Epsilon Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa and holds several other leadership positions.
• Matias Bustillo– Jackson County Campus, Ocean Springs. A computer science major, Bustillo is a vice president of the Pi Epsilon Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa and a leader in the Hispanic American Club and Campus Activities Board.
• Allison Richards– Jackson County Campus, St. Martin. Richards, an animal science/pre-veterinary major, is vice president of the Pi Epsilon Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa and the Student Government Association.
• Thomas Ferguson– Jackson County Campus, Moss Point. Ferguson, a Process Operations Technology major, has already completed a degree in Unmanned Maritime Technology and serves in multiple leadership roles on campus.
• Isabel Valenzuela– Jackson County Campus, Ocean Springs. Valenzuela, an elementary education major, is vice president of the Pi Epsilon Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa and president of the Hispanic American Club.

The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation’s funding enables these students to not only complete their degrees but also to engage in PTK’s leadership development programs, equipping them to become future leaders in their communities.