[Freeport, Ill.] – Morgan Cox, a Highland Community College student and member of Phi Theta Kappa, has been named a member of the 2026 Coca-Cola Academic Team. Her academic achievements and community involvement made her a stand-out candidate for the scholarship.
Cox graduated from Freeport High School, and is now studying Forensic Science with a focus on DNA analysis and chemistry. She credits her interest in the field to her forensics teacher in high school.
Students are nominated for the Coca-Cola Academic Team by their college administrators and chosen based on academic achievement, leadership and engagement in college and community service.
When asked how the scholarship impacted her, Cox replied, “Knowing my application was selected on a national level provided me with a feeling of pride and that I have been seen. I have worked incredibly hard with my academics to maintain my 4.0 GPA, to be an involved student on campus, a student athlete and juggle several employment responsibilities. Being awarded this scholarship is an honor and a privilege.”
Cox plans to attend the University of Kentucky to continue her education and pursue her goals.
“This is a tremendous honor for Morgan. Nationwide there are nearly 1,300 chapters, so being selected as one of the students for this award is a great honor,” Highland Community College Student Advisor and Transfer Coordinator Vicki Schulz said. “Morgan is currently our Vice President of Fellowship and does an amazing job getting the word out to students about the different events that we have on campus.”
The Coca-Cola Foundation sponsors the Coca-Cola Academic Team program by recognizing scholars with nearly $200,000 in scholarships annually.
“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.”
For more information on how to get involved with Phi Theta Kappa at Highland Community College, contact Vicki Schulz at 815-599-3664 or Vicki.Schulz@highland.edu.