Staci Smith
Staci Smith, a Cochise College sophomore studying math, has been named a member of the Coca-Cola 2011 Community College Academic Team.
Smith, daughter of Cochise College ESL Instructor Curt Smith and Margaret Smith, who also takes courses, grew up thinking of the college as her second home. So it’s no surprise that she has done well academically; Smith recently was named to the All-Arizona first team, recognizing the top community college students in the state, and received a scholarship to complete her bachelor’s degree at one of Arizona’s public universities. She has not yet decided on a specific career field.
As a Coca-Cola Silver Scholar, Smith will receive a scholarship of $1,250 from the Coca-Cola Foundation, as well as a medallion commemorating the award. She also will appear in the April 11 edition of USA Today.
Smith, of Huachuca City, has worked as kennel staff at a local animal hospital and as an English tutor on the Sierra Vista Campus. She chose to attend Cochise College because her father has been an instructor there for 30 years and because both her mother and sister also attend. Because she was home schooled, she began her studies at Cochise at the age of 15, when she enrolled in language, advanced math, and lab science courses. Smith has worked on the college student newspaper Kaleidoscope and is involved with Bisbee’s Obscure Productions community theater, in which she conducted an honors project to interpret plays for the deaf and ultimately brought deaf actors to the stage.
It was announced several weeks ago that another Cochise College sophomore, Ellen Whitehead, was named a Coca-Cola Bronze Scholar.
The Coca-Cola All-State Community College Academic Team Program is sponsored by the Coca-Cola Foundation and administered by Phi Theta Kappa honor society. Approximately 200 students across the nation are honored annually. To qualify, applicants must have at least a 3.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale.