WCCD Student Kelly Merritt Named 2025 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholar
Kelly Merritt
Wallace Community College-Dothan is proud to announce the selection of Kelly Merritt as a 2025 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholar. Merritt, a first-year Associate Degree Nursing student, is one of only 220 Phi Theta Kappa members nationwide to receive this prestigious honor and will be awarded a $1,000 scholarship.
The Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholarship Program is designed to help new Phi Theta Kappa members defray educational expenses while completing their associate degrees. Scholars are selected based on academic excellence, leadership potential, and community service. This year, more than 600 students applied, with $220,000 awarded in total.
“I am so thankful and honored to receive this ‘Leaders of Promise’ scholarship from Coca-Cola and Phi Theta Kappa,” said Merritt. “I am going to use this scholarship to finish out my nursing school career at Wallace and show the world it is never too late to follow your dream!”
Merritt continued: “I’ve always had a passion for nursing because I believe God gave me hands to help others in their time of need. Thanks to Wallace, PTK, and Coca-Cola, that dream is more easily obtained.”
Merritt is an active member of the College, serving as Secretary of Sigma Kappa Delta, Vice President of the Student Government Association, and is a dedicated member of Phi Theta Kappa and the TRiO Student Support Services program. She has volunteered through multiple student-led projects with the House of Ruth. Alongside her studies and service, she works at Southeast Health as a patient care technician and unit secretary in the critical care unit.
“Kelly exemplifies the spirit of Wallace Community College through her dedication to academics, leadership, and service,” said Daymesha Reed, WCCD Student Life Coordinator and PTK Sponsor. “We are proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition of her accomplishments and look forward to all that she will continue to achieve.”
The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation provides $200,000 annually to fund the scholarships, with an additional $25,000 reserved for military and veteran students. Remaining funds are supported through donations to the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation. The program encourages scholars to engage in leadership roles and continue their academic journeys.
“The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation has a long history of providing financial assistance to outstanding students at community colleges,” said Jane Hale Paulsen, President of the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation. “We are proud to partner with Phi Theta Kappa to make it possible for more deserving students to achieve their educational goals and support tomorrow’s leaders of the global community.”
Research underscores the impact of PTK involvement, as members are four times more likely to complete their college degree than non-members. “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,” added Amanda Karpinski Gorman, Interim Executive Director of the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation.