Macy Tidmore, a Hamilton County Collegiate High and Global Scholar student at Chattanooga State Community College, has been named a 2021 Coca-Cola Academic Team Bronze Scholar and recipient of a $1,000 scholarship. Scholar selections were based on scores the student earned in the All-USA Academic Team competition. More than 2,000 Phi Thea Kappa (PTK) Competitive Scholarship applications were received this year from which 150 were chosen for distinction, which means Macy’s application ranked in the top seven percent of applicants.

Macy, an East Ridge, Tennessee native, will graduate on May 12 with a high school diploma and an Associate of Arts degree and plans to transfer to a four-year institution. “I plan to enter as an undergrad art history major with an intent to explore other majors I find interesting,” said Macy.

“I am so very proud of Macy and her accomplishments at Chattanooga State,” stated Dr. Rebecca Ashford, Chattanooga State president. “She has been an active student leader on campus, and she is very deserving of this recognition from PTK.”

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 and selection is based on academic achievement, leadership, and engagement in college and community service. Macy has been an active officer in Chattanooga State’s Alpha Beta Mu chapter of PTK for two years, serving as vice president of scholarship in 2019-2020 and chapter president for 202-2021. In addition to her officer positions, she has attended PTK regional conferences, and played a strategic role in helping the chapter achieve Five-Star Chapter status. As a Global Scholar she has presented class research at a regional honors conference.

“In addition to her work ethic and significant research and planning contributions to our chapter and campus, something that stands out to me as a contribution she has brought to our officer team is her demeanor,” stated Miranda Taj, Alpha Beta Mu chapter advisor. “Macy is, quite simply, a delight to be around. She’s enthusiastic, supportive, and appreciative.” In a late-breaking announcement from the PTK Tennessee Region Conference held on March 20, Macy also was named 1st Place Distinguished Chapter Officer, TN Region. As one of the top three award recipients from her region, Macy is now in the running for an award at the national level.

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, PTK Catalyst, to be held virtually April 8-10.

“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.”

“Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) has opened many meaningful doors for me in the last two years,” noted Macy. “I am so grateful I took a leap and joined the organization during my sophomore year of high school, and I am beyond thankful to be recognized by PTK and Coca-Cola with this scholarship.”

Phi Theta Kappa is the premier honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders. The Society is made up of more than 3.5 million members and nearly 1,300 chapters in 11 nations, with approximately 240,000 active members in the nation’s colleges. Learn more at ptk.org.