Six people stand in front of a blue Missouri Community College Association backdrop. From left to right: Dr. Elizabeth Winters-Rozema, PTK Rolla Advisor; David Harper, Coca-Cola New Century Workforce Scholar; Mae May, All-USA Transfer Pathway Scholar; Latisha Graham, All-USA Transfer Pathway Scholar; Kylie Napier, Coca-Cola Academic Team Gold Scholar; and Kevin Dixon, PTK Union Advisor. Several individuals are holding PTK folders and wearing medals. Not pictured are Phillip North and Moriah Mankin, also recognized at the PTK Catalyst convention in Kansas City.

ECC Students Earn Coca-Cola, All-USA Academic Awards

April 21, 2025 | Campus News ECC Rolla

East Central College student Kylie Napier has been named a 2025 Coca-Cola Academic Team Gold Scholar and awarded a $1,500 scholarship for her academic achievement and leadership. She is one of just 50 students nationwide to earn this prestigious recognition, which is sponsored by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation and administered by the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society.

Kylie Napier, left, has been named a 2025 Coca-Cola Academic Team Gold Scholar and awarded a $1,500 scholarship for her academic achievement and leadership. She is pictured with ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer.

Napier, a student at ECC’s main campus in Union, was selected based on scores earned in the highly competitive All-USA Academic Team competition, which drew nearly 2,100 applicants nationwide. As a Gold Scholar, she was recognized during the Parade of Scholars at PTK Catalyst, the organization’s annual convention, held April 3–5 in Kansas City, Missouri.

In addition to Napier’s recognition, several other ECC students were named to the All-USA Academic Team and honored by the Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) and PTK for their academic and leadership excellence:

  • David Harper, Union – Coca-Cola New Century Workforce Scholar
  • Phillip North, Union – All-USA Workforce Pathway
  • Latisha Graham, Union – All-USA Transfer Pathway
  • Mae May, Rolla – All-USA Transfer Pathway
  • Moriah Mankin, Rolla – All-USA Transfer Pathway

These students were selected for their outstanding academic records, leadership, and community involvement. ECC annually nominates students from its campuses for the All-USA Team, which automatically qualifies nominees for the All-Missouri Academic Team. Nominees complete a rigorous application process that includes academic achievements, campus and community involvement, and a detailed account of a significant endeavor during their time at ECC.

All-state honorees are recognized at a ceremony sponsored by the MCCA and receive a commemorative medallion and certificate, along with a $250 scholarship funded by the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority (MOHELA).

The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation awards nearly $200,000 in scholarships annually to PTK members through the Coca-Cola Academic Team program, celebrating students who are leading the way in their communities and academic programs.