Kara Price Named Coca-Cola Academic Team Member

Kara Price, a member of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society at Martin Community College, has been named to the 2026 Coca-Cola Academic Team and will receive a $1,300 scholarship.

Kara has been actively involved in numerous academic and extracurricular activities throughout high school. She is a member of the Bear Grass Charter School Marching Band, where she serves as the percussion section leader and contributed to the band's superior rating at the Music Performance Adjudication competition. Kara also played on the women's tennis team for four years, ending her senior season as first seed and team captain, and advanced to the 1A individual doubles state tournament with her partner, Elizabeth.

In addition to athletics and music, Kara is a proud member of the Student Government Association and has participated in the Math Team and Battle of the Books. She is also a member of Beta Club and the National Honor Society. Kara plans to continue her education at East Carolina University, where she will pursue a degree in Chemistry before earning a doctorate in Pharmacy.

As a member of Phi Theta Kappa, Kara has maintained a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher for a minimum of 12 semester hours. She has demonstrated academic excellence and leadership as recognized by faculty.

Dr. Tabitha R. Miller, President of Martin Community College, states "Kara Price stands as a powerful example of what authentic leadership looks like: vision grounded in purpose, service rooted in compassion, and excellence achieved through hard work and integrity. Being named a 2026 Coca-Cola Academic Team Scholar affirms what we at Martin Community College have long seen in her: a leader who lifts others, inspires her peers, and pursues her goals with courage and conviction. Kara's achievement reminds us that leadership is not a title, but a way of moving through the world. We are proud of her accomplishments and even more proud of the leader she is becoming."

"The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation has a long history of providing financial assistance to outstanding students at community colleges," said Jane Hale Paulsen, President of the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation. "We are proud to partner with Phi Theta Kappa to make it possible for more deserving students to achieve their educational goals and support tomorrow's global community leaders."

Students are nominated for the Coca-Cola Academic Team by their college administrators, with selections based on academic achievement, leadership, and engagement in college and community service.

Coca-Cola Academic Team members are recognized at both local and statewide ceremonies and internationally during Phi Theta Kappa's annual convention, PTK Catalyst, held March 26-28 in Baltimore, Maryland.

"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."

The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation sponsors the Coca-Cola Academic Team program, awarding nearly $200,000 in scholarships annually. Each scholar also receives a commemorative medallion.