Tri-C Student Named a National Coca-Cola Scholar

Shahzeb Malik of Strongsville among 150 students honored across the country

Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C^®) student Shahzeb Malik has been named a 2020 Coca-Cola Academic Team Silver Scholar, joining a select group of students from across the nation.

The senior from Strongsville High School attends Tri-C through the state’s College Credit Plus program, a dual enrollment system that allows teens to earn college credits while meeting high school graduation requirements.

Malik is set to graduate from Tri-C in May with both an Associate of Arts degree and an Associate of Science degree. His grades earned him membership in Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.

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.

Malik will receive a $1,250 scholarship in addition to a commemorative medallion.

“The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation has a long history of providing financial assistance to outstanding students at community colleges,” said Jane Hale Hopkins, 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.”

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.

“We thank the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation for recognizing these student leaders and for investing in their futures,” said 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 recognizes the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges. It includes more than 3.5 million members and nearly 1,300 chapters in 11 nations, with approximately 240,000 active members in U.S. colleges.

March 17, 2020

John Horton, 216-987-4281 john.horton@tri-c.edu