News and Updates

SGSC Student Kaitlin Spivey Named Silver Scholar

Kaitlin Spivey of Pearson, GA, a student and Phi Theta Kappa member from the South Georgia State College's Douglas Campus, has been selected as a 2015 Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team Silver Scholar. Her selection was based on scores she earned in the All-USA Community College Academic Team competition, for which more than 1,700 applications were received this year.

SGSC Douglas Campus student Kaitlin Spivey was named a 2015 Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team Silver Scholar

“Kaitlin has been an outstanding student at our institution and for our Phi Theta Kappa chapter,” says Amy Hancock, South Georgia State College’s Phi Theta Kappa advisor. “She is actively involved in our chapter activities and has served as the chapter president this past year. She takes the initiative to reach out to eligible members and encourages them to join. Once they are a member, she supports and mentors them to take an active role in the chapter. She has truly been an asset on our college campus.”

Spivey will graduate with an associate’s degree in biology at the end of spring semester and continue her education at the University of Georgia in order to pursue a degree in dentistry.

Her commitment to her chosen profession and to those in need came together over winter break. Kaitlin took the opportunity to travel with a group from Vida Volunteers as part of the dental program. This service learning activity allows pre-dental and dental students the opportunity to work with licensed professionals to provide basic dental care to those who would otherwise not receive any dental attention. Her time was spent in Costa Rica and Nicaragua and she feels it was a great benefit to her as she continues with her studies.

South Georgia State College President Dr. Virginia Carson fully supports Phi Theta Kappa and is especially proud when the organization recognizes one of the students in our local chapter. “Kaitlin is a deserving student who excels not only in the classroom but in many areas on campus. She serves as a Peterson Scholar, a prestigious group of students selected to represent the college in all facets of the community, and she spends her time outside of the academic world helping others as she did on her recent volunteer opportunity,” says Dr. Carson. “Her work ethic and motivation to succeed is a true inspiration to others.”

The program is sponsored by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation and is administered by Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, for which Spivey serves as chapter president on SGSC’s Douglas Campus. Spivey will attend the Phi Theta Kappa International Convention, to be held in San Antonio, Texas, in April, where she will be accompanied by Hancock and fellow chapter members. The scholars will be recognized on stage during a General Session of the Phi Theta Kappa Annual Convention. Additionally, they will be recognized at a special reception for Phi Theta Kappa Scholars that same day.

“I am very honored to have been selected from such a large group of applicants. While it is humbling to be recognized for my academic and extracurricular achievements, none of this would have been possible without the support of my family, friends, community, the staff of SGSC, and our local Phi Theta Kappa organization,” Spivey says. “I am extremely appreciative of the opportunities Phi Theta Kappa has provided me, and I look forward to the next chapter of my college experience. The funds provided by Coca-Cola will help tremendously as I continue my education at UGA.”

Silver Scholars receive a silver medallion and a check for $1,250. Funding for the scholarship is provided by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation. Throughout the spring, 38 states host All-State Academic Team Recognition ceremonies, where Coca-Cola Silver Scholars are recognized. 

To be eligible, scholars must be nominated by the college's designated nominator, demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, and demonstrate significant campus and/or community leadership and service. Each year, 50 gold, silver, and bronze scholars are selected. All receive medallions: gold scholars are awarded $1,500, silver scholars receive $1,250, and bronze scholars are awarded $1,000.