Oakton Student Named Coca-Cola Academic Team Bronze Scholar
Oakton Student Named Coca-Cola Academic Team Bronze Scholar
Oakton student and Maine West graduate James Pauly receives a prestigious scholarship.
Des Plaines, Ill. (March 26, 2024) - Oakton student James Pauly, Des Plaines, has been named a 2024 Coca-Cola Academic Team Bronze Scholar by the prestigious Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team Program, which recognizes exceptional two-year college students.
"I am deeply humbled and incredibly grateful to be a Coca-Cola scholarship recipient," said Pauly. "This is my first time receiving such recognition, and it's truly a surreal experience to see your efforts be acknowledged in such a profound manner."
Since enrolling at Oakton in 2022 following his graduation from Maine West High School, Pauly has consistently made the president's list, maintaining a flawless 4.0 GPA. Presently, he serves as Oakton’s Phi Theta Kappa president. In the previous academic year, Pauly demonstrated leadership as the captain of the Robotics Team and as the lead of the Software Team. Furthermore, he contributes as a tutor in math, physics and chemistry at Oakton’s Learning Center.
Pauly's post-Oakton plans include transferring to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where he intends to pursue studies in Material Science & Engineering. His ultimate goal is to venture into research or engineering, focusing on electrical and environmental materials.
“Following my father’s recent passing, I have been thinking more about how to support myself,” said Pauly. “The award will help me finance and reach my educational goals.”
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. Bronze Scholars, including Pauly, are awarded $1,000.
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. The scholarship is administered by Phi Theta Kappa, an international honor society of students seeking associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, or other college credentials.
