Yassine Fouchal, a student at Cochise College, has been named a 2019 Coca-Cola Academic Team Gold Scholar and will receive a $1,500 scholarship. 
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. Each scholar also receives 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.
Yassine Fouchal of Sierra Vista aspires to become an astronaut. He is majoring in engineering and plans to earn a bachelor’s degree in aerospace or physics engineering from the University of Arizona. Continuing his education, he aims to receive a Ph.D. in Aerodynamics and Propulsion, Space Systems, Applied Physics, or Fluid and Thermal Science. Fouchal also placed on the All-Arizona First Team and received a tuition waiver from the Arizona Board of Regents to complete his bachelor’s degree. He has been an active participant in leadership roles as the committee chairperson for Honors in Action and vice president of the Phi Theta Kappa Alpha Mu Zeta Chapter. He also volunteers in many different college and community events and activities. Some of these include being the historian for the Undergraduate Research Club, member of the Tech Club, Pit Fire Festival, Halloween Spooktacular, mentoring new students, previous volunteer as a math tutor, and recently he participated in a community service project in Tucson distributing books.
Fouchal is a nontraditional student who didn’t start college right after high school. “At the time, I thought I couldn’t afford to go to college. Among family responsibilities and working multiple jobs, the idea of being successful in college was far from reality.” Fouchal said. “My parent always encouraged me to pursue my education.”
Reflecting on all of his accomplishments, Fouchal said, “Even though I had to sacrifice so much to go to college, I had a great experience going back to school. This experience motivated me to aim higher and inspire people around me.”
He added, “I would like to thank all the college instructors for their guidance and support. They are doing an excellent job. Dr. Becky Dorman is amazing!”
Coca-Cola Academic Team members will be recognized in both local and statewide ceremonies and will also be recognized internationally during Phi Theta Kappa’s annual convention, April 4-6 in Orlando, Florida.
“We thank the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation for recognizing these student leaders and for investing in their futures,” said Dr. 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.”