Casper College Student Sarah Finch Selected as a Coca-Cola Leader of Promise

Casper College sophomore Sarah Finch has been selected to receive a $1,000 scholarship from Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society as a 2015 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholar.

Selected as 2015 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholars, 207 Phi Theta Kappa members have been awarded a total of $207,000 in scholarships. Chosen from more than 1,100 applications worldwide, the scholars receive scholarships of $1,000 each to further their studies. Independent judges evaluate the applications based on scholastic achievement, community service and leadership potential.

The 2014 Kelly Walsh High School graduate is an elementary education major at Casper College, and the daughter of Marty and Kathy Finch of Casper. Finch has clear goals and plans to pursue her education at the University of Wyoming by continuing her major and minoring in early childhood education. “I want students to benefit directly from knowledge gained in my classroom,” she says. Her mother, a first grade instructor at Verda James Elementary School, is Finch’s inspiration: “I want to positively influence students who are entrusted in my care the way my mom has influenced so many lives.”

“The funds provided by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation not only aid college completion, but provide students with the opportunity to engage in society programs and develop leadership skills to become future leaders in their communities,” says Dr. Nancy Rieves, CEO of the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation. “The Leaders of Promise Scholarships recognize students for what they have achieved already and assure that financial need isn’t an obstacle to achieving their academic goals.”

Finch will graduate from Casper College in May 2016 with her associate degree in elementary education. “Sarah will become that quintessential teacher that all parents will want for their children. We are proud to call her our own,” says Debra Swedberg, Casper College math instructor and co-sponsor of the college’s PTK chapter.