Cochise College elementary education student Kimberly Swift was recently named a 2010 Coca-Cola Gold Scholar, a prestigious designation that recognizes top community college students for which she’ll receive a cash scholarship.
Kimberly Swift
Swift, who also is the reigning Miss Sierra Vista, was selected for the honor based on scores earned in the All-USA Academic Team competition. In February, she placed on the All-Arizona First Team and received a tuition waiver from the Arizona Board of Regents to complete her bachelor’s degree at an Arizona university. All-Arizona nominations are the basis for the All-USA academic teams, to be announced in mid-April.
In addition to serving as Miss Sierra Vista, Swift has been an active participant in a variety of college and community programs. She is an originator of the Reading Rocks program, a monthly reading circle for children at Cochise College. She is a former president of the college film club Cinéaste Circle and is the vice president of leadership for the Sierra Vista Campus chapter of Phi Theta Kappa honor society. She has completed three individual honors projects. She also has volunteered at local schools and community fairs and, as part of being Miss Sierra Vista, has spoken to or made appearances with numerous local organizations, including helping the Sierra Vista Police Department raise funds for Special Olympics of Arizona. Swift plans to continue her education at the University of Arizona South.
“Through her constant innovations, Kim takes the initiative to personalize her education, making it meaningful to her life on various levels,” said Mary B. Coyle, a humanities instructor who has worked with Swift in class and in guiding her honors projects. “She will make an excellent teacher – the kind of teacher who motivates and inspires young people to achieve their goals while still enjoying the learning process.”
The Coca-Cola Scholars program is sponsored by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation and administered by Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Awardees have a grade point average of at least 3.5 and are on track to earn an associate or bachelor’s degree. As a Gold Scholar, Swift will receive a $1,500 scholarship and a commemorative medallion, and she will be listed with the Gold, Silver and Bronze Scholars in a special section of USA Today on April 19.