Weeks is 2019 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholar
July 31, 2019
Magan Weeks of Andalusia, a sophomore at LBW Community College, is one of 207 Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) members named a 2019 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholar and is receiving a $1,000 scholarship.
This scholarship helps PTK members defray educational expenses while enrolled in associate degree programs. PTK is an international honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges. Scholars are encouraged to assume leadership roles by participating in Society programs and are selected based on scholastic achievement, community service, and leadership potential.
Weeks, who is enrolled in the Honors Program at LBWCC on a $3,500 scholarship, said she was surprised to learn that she was selected for the Coca-Cola scholarship among the nearly 900 applications received.
Weeks said she is financially responsible for her own education, so it’s important to get as much help as possible.
“I thought, ‘why not?’ If you don’t apply, you definitely won’t get a scholarship,” she said.
She learned about the award through an email from PTK.
“I can’t even explain how excited and happy I am because they do such great things and contribute to so many people’s education. I was absolutely surprised.”
Jane Hale Hopkins, president of the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, said the organization has a long history of providing financial assistance to outstanding students at community colleges.
“We are proud to partner with Phi Theta Kappa, make it possible for more deserving students to achieve their educational goals, and support tomorrow’s leaders of the global community,” said Hopkins.
Weeks’ long-term goal is to become a physician.
“I’m trying to become a doctor, and I have a really long road ahead of me. By getting this scholarship, I won’t have to pay for my second year at LBW. I will be able to go on to my four-year institution without having to take out loans. I’ll be able to save up and prepare for that.”
Her interest in medicine was sparked through attending two anatomy classes taught by Dr. Shane Evans, she said.
“The classes were amazing. I love the way the body works. My hope is to be able to work with people and help them any way that I can.”
Weeks said she was not originally excited and did she have high expectations of college, but that changed after she started attending classes at LBW.
“I feel that LBW has been the best choice for me. After the support from all my teachers, I got the courage to shoot for my dreams to become a doctor. This has been the best experience of my entire life. Everybody is just great at LBW.”
PTK provides members advantages, such as providing scholarships, building leadership skills, and improving the likelihood of degree achievement.
“Research shows that Phi Theta Kappa members are four times more likely to complete a college degree than their peers,” said Dr. Monica Marlowe, PTK Foundation executive director. “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.”
Weeks is currently serving as vice president of leadership with the Alpha Beta Eta Chapter of PTK and is on track to complete an associate degree in May 2020.
