Cerritos College News Release March 2016
Samantha Dawson Named 2016 Coca-Cola Gold Scholar
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 14, 2016
Media Contact: Media Contact: Aya Abelon, Public Affairs; (562) 653-7878
NORWALK, Calif. – March 14, 2016 – Cerritos College student Samantha Dawson has been named a 2016 Coca-Cola Community
College Academic Team Gold Scholar. The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation sponsors the
Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team program by recognizing 50 Gold, 50 Silver
and 50 Bronze Scholars, and providing nearly $200,000 in scholarships annually. Each
Gold Scholar receives a $1,500 scholarship and a special medallion.
Samantha, a single mother majoring in geography and minoring in physics, has also been selected for All-USA Scholarship’s California First Academic Team.
Samantha plans on pursuing her education in geography and physics at California State University, Dominguez Hills. She participated in the NASA/California Space Grant Consortium microcomputer and robotics internship in 2015, and she hopes to become a scientist and work at NASA.
“I am ecstatic to be honored by this scholarship because it wasn't solely based upon financial need but for academic success and hard work. Being the recipient of this scholarship shows to the community that even if you are a single mom, working and low income, have a learning disability, or you have even just one of these, with hard work, dedication, time with professors and go-power, you can achieve success,” said Samantha. She utilizes the College’s Disabled Student Services and Programs’ services including text to audio programs and test-taking assistance.
Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society administers the Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team Program and recognizes Coca-Cola Community College scholars during All-State Community College Academic Team Recognition ceremonies held in 38 states. Student scholars also receive recognition locally during ceremonies held on campus and internationally for those who are able to attend Phi Theta Kappa’s Annual Convention.
About Cerritos College: Cerritos College serves as a comprehensive community college for southeastern Los Angeles County. Communities within the college’s district include Artesia, Bellflower, Cerritos, Downey, Hawaiian Gardens, La Mirada, Norwalk, and portions of Bell Gardens, Lakewood, Long Beach, Santa Fe Springs and South Gate. Cerritos College offers degrees and certificates in more than 180 areas of study in nine divisions. Annually, more than 1,200 students successfully complete their course of studies, and enrollment currently averages 23,000 students. Visit Cerritos College online at www.cerritos.edu.
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