PJC student named 2015 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholar

Published or Revised December 10, 2015

Paris Junior College student Cameron Copeland has been selected to receive a $1,000 scholarship from Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society as a 2015 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholar. “PJC is honored to have our second student in as many years selected as a Leaders of Promise Scholar,” said PJC President Dr. Pamela Anglin. “The academic programs offered at PJC attract some very talented students with huge potential. Cameron is very deserving of this honor and we are proud to have him as a PJC Dragon.” But for a last minute decision, it might never have happened. Graduating from Spring Hill High School in Longview, Copeland was planning to go to Texas A&M University and instead opted at the last minute to play for the Dragons baseball team at PJC. “It all fell into place here with what I wanted to do,” said Copeland. “I didn’t know about the programs at PJC. I was a business management major and was going to take prerequisites for the MCAT, and then I learned about the public health program. You’re managing people and things; it’s a similar dynamic. Public health involves managing a hospital, or being a public health official dealing with things like the Ebola epidemic. I have to have work to do, but I also need to be around people. PJC had everything I needed.” Copeland was among 207 Phi Theta Kappa members awarded a total of $207,000 in scholarships. Chosen from more than 1,100 applications worldwide, the scholars’ applications are evaluated by independent judges based on scholastic achievement, community service and leadership potential. “The funds provided by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation not only aid college completion, but provide students with the opportunity to engage in Society programs and develop leadership skills to become future leaders in their communities,” said Dr. Nancy Rieves, CEO of the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation. “Research shows that Phi Theta Kappa members are four times more likely to complete a college degree than their peers. The Leaders of Promise Scholarships recognize students for what they have achieved already and assure that financial need isn’t an obstacle to achieving their academic goals.” “The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation has a long history of providing financial assistance to outstanding students at community colleges,” said J. Mark Davis, President of the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation. “We are proud to partner with Phi Theta Kappa and make it possible for more deserving students to achieve their educational goals. Phi Theta Kappa members are proven scholars, engaged students who want to use their abilities to make a difference. In designating $200,000 for Leaders of Promise, the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation is supporting tomorrow’s leaders of the global community.” “It’s an honor because there’s so few picked in the nation,” said Copeland of his selection. He still plans to attend Texas A&M University – College Station and then medical school. “Cameron is an outstanding student with the potential to accomplish anything that he wishes in life,” said PJC Science Division Coordinator Jack Brown. “He has displayed an eagerness to work and help others, he enthusiastically seeks knowledge, and is very self-motivated. Cameron has always displayed a high degree of intelligence, integrity, responsibility, and ambition. He is unquestionably a leader rather than a follower.” When asked if his family was excited, Copeland said they were, but thinks his mother was more excited about his recent selection as Homecoming King. “That was fun for her, she got to take pictures and see all of it,” said Copeland. He is also looking forward to the spring baseball season, his last at PJC, because “the team gets together and gets along really well, we bond better and play better, this year.”