Charlottesville, Va. – August 30, 2022 – Piedmont Virginia Community College (PVCC) congratulates student Balkees Rekik, who has been named a 2022 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholar. With more than 1,300 applications received, Rekik is one of just 207 Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) members named for this award, which includes a $1,000 scholarship. The Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholarship Program helps new PTK members defray educational expenses while enrolled in associate degree programs. Scholars are encouraged to assume leadership roles by participating in Society programs and are selected based on scholastic achievement, community service and leadership potential.

Rekik is in the third semester of her second year at PVCC and is pursuing a science degree. In addition to being a vice president of fellowship with PTK and a member of the International Club, Rekik volunteers at the University of Virginia hospital and the Ivy Creek Foundation under PTK. After graduation, she plans to transfer to an Ivy League school to obtain a bachelor's degree in psychology, and pursue a career in the medical field.

"Being named a Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholar is such an honor for me,” Rekik shared. “I encourage all PVCC students to become active members of our PTK chapter, Alpha Epsilon Tau. PTK membership can bring opportunities such as additional access to scholarships, involvement in leadership and social events, and it allows us to represent PVCC in the best way possible."

A total of $207,000 is awarded through the Leaders of Promise Scholarship Program. The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation provides $200,000 in funding for the scholarships, with $25,000 set aside for members who are veterans or active members of the United States military. The remaining amount is supported by donations to the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation and provides seven Global Leaders of Promise Scholarships, earmarked for international students.

PVCC President Jean Runyon stated, “We are extremely proud of Balkees. The award is so aptly called ‘Leaders of Promise.’ Balkees exemplifies what it means to be a student leader and scholar at Piedmont Virginia Community College.”

About Phi Theta Kappa

Phi Theta Kappa is the premier 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 3.8 million members and nearly 1,300 chapters in 11 countries, with approximately 240,000 active members in the nation’s colleges. Learn more at ptk.org.

To learn more about Phi Theta Kappa at PVCC visit www.pvcc.edu/phi-theta-kappa-ptk.

About Piedmont Virginia Community College

Established in 1972, Piedmont Virginia Community College is a nonresidential two-year institution of higher education that serves Central Virginia – principally, residents of the City of Charlottesville and the counties of Albemarle, Buckingham, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, and Nelson. PVCC is one of 23 community colleges in Virginia that comprise the Virginia Community College System. PVCC is committed to providing access to a college education for all who can benefit, an opportunity for each student to reach her/his potential and excellence in all programs and services. Visit www.pvcc.edu.