Press contact: Kyla Kruse
SPRINGFIELD — Lincoln Land Community College student Zorah Austin of Virden has been named a 2025 Coca-Cola Academic Team Bronze Scholar and will receive a $1,000 scholarship. She will be recognized during Phi Theta Kappa’s annual convention, PTK Catalyst, in Kansas City, Missouri, April 3-5.
Students are nominated for the academic team by their college administrators. Selection is based on academic achievement, leadership and engagement in college and community service.
“As our chapter’s vice president of scholarship, Zorah has shown exemplary critical thinking and organizational skills leading our chapter through our community service project this year,” said Dr. Gillian Bauer, 69 professor of English and Phi Theta Kappa advisor. “We were proud to nominate her for this much-deserved award and are thrilled that she has received this recognition of her hard work.”
The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation sponsors the Coca-Cola Academic Team program by recognizing 50 Gold, 50 Silver and 50 Bronze Scholars with nearly $200,000 in scholarships annually. Each scholar also receives a commemorative medallion.
“We thank the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation for recognizing these student leaders and for investing in their futures,” said Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner, president and CEO of Phi Theta Kappa. “Scholarships like these are integral to the success of these students in reaching their educational and career goals.”
Phi Theta Kappa is the first honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders. The society is made up of more than 4.4 million members and nearly 1,250 chapters in 11 countries, with approximately 220,000 active members in the nation’s colleges. Learn more at .