GCC Student Named 2017 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise

Kimberly Curry Receives $1,000 Scholarship

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BATAVIA, NY (11/08/2017) Kimberly Curry, an accounting student at Genesee Community College, has been named a 2017 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholar and will receive $1,000 scholarship.

Curry is one of only 207 nationwide Phi Theta Kappa members who will receive this scholarship. Nearly 1,000 applications were received this year. Recipients are selected based on their academic achievement and demonstrated leadership potential.

The Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholarship Program helps new Phi Theta Kappa members defray educational expenses while enrolled in associate degree programs. The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation provides $200,000 in funding for these scholarships with $25,000 set aside for members who are veterans or active members of the U.S. military. The remaining amount is supported by donations to Phi Theta Kappa Foundation and provides Leaders of Promise Global Scholarships, earmarked for international students.

Curry proudly served in the United States Army from 1987 - 1991 and then was called back up again during Desert Storm. "This scholarship really means a lot to me, especially considering my time in the armed forces. It is one way to ensure that veterans like me can obtain the college credentials we need to succeed and give back to our communities," Curry said.

This scholarship foundation also encourages recipients to participate in Society programs to develop leadership skills and position themselves to become future leaders in their communities. The scholarship funds help to provide these opportunities as well. Curry certainly took advantage of this chance and joined a new organization in Rochester called the Southside Junior Sting, part of the local Pop Warner organization. The Southside Junior Sting had one primary responsibility; to ensure that every child or young adult who wanted to participate in organized football had the financial means to do so. The group organized fundraiser events throughout the community to make sure that every person could play. During her time with this group, Curry met some amazing and dedicated leaders and connected to her community and the kids they were helping.

With more than three million members in nearly 1,300 chapters across nine nations, Phi Theta Kappa is the premier honor society recognizing academic achievement of community college students, helping them to grow as scholars and leaders. Visit www.ptka.org to learn more about Phi Theta Kappa.

Veterans interested in learning more about Genesee Community College and programs available to veterans should come to the Batavia campus Open House and the Veterans Day celebration, both on Friday, November 10, 2017. From 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., GCC faculty and staff will be available to answer questions, discuss academic programs, and provide facility tours. Immediately following, the Veterans Day Honor Ceremony commences with the Genesee County Honor Guard salute to the flag, and a number of different speakers. Veterans of all eras are invited to stay for a special lunch served in the Student Union at 1 pm.

For more information, contact Career Services Specialist and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society: Alpha lota Upsilon Chapter Advisor, Jamie Edwards at (585) 343-0055 ext. 6383, or via email: jledwards@genesee.edu.

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Editor's Note:

A photograph of Kim Curry is available at:

http://marketing.genesee.edu/images/Kim Curry_CocaCola_Scholarship_Recipient.jpg