Toms River Student Named Community College Academic Team Gold Scholar

News from Ocean County College:

Ocean County College student Rebecca Lazerson, Toms River, has been named a 2014 Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team Gold Scholar.  As a Gold Scholar, Lazerson will receive a $1,500 scholarship and a special medallion.

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.  Selection as a Coca-Cola Gold Scholar is based on scores the student earned in the All-USA Community Academic Team competition, for which more than 1,700 applications were received this year.

Lazerson is a graduate of Toms River High School North and is currently a NJ Stars student at Ocean County College.  She is studying for a double degree, an associate in applied science in nursing and an associate in science in general education.  When Lazerson read the email that she received the scholarship, she “was jumping around the kitchen!”

“I was very excited to get it,” Lazerson said.  “All my hard work paid off.”

Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society administers the Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team Scholars Program and will recognize these exceptional students at PTK’s Annual Convention, April 24-26, in Orlando, Florida.  The scholars will be recognized on stage during the Second General Session on Friday, April 25.

Dr. Jon H. Larson, President of Ocean County College, said, “We are very proud of Rebecca’s accomplishments; to be named a 2014 Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team Gold Scholar is certainly an honor.  We wish Rebecca the best of luck in all her endeavors.”

“We thank the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation for their vote of confidence in community college students by investing in their futures,” said Dr. Rod Risley, Executive Director of Phi Theta Kappa. “Their support is especially welcome during this challenging economic climate, as more and more community college students need additional resources to help them complete their degrees.”

“The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation has a long history of providing financial assistance to outstanding students at community colleges,” said J. Mark Davis, President of the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation.  “We are proud to partner with Phi Theta Kappa and make it possible for deserving students to achieve their educational goals.”