York Tech Student awarded Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation Scholarship

York Tech Student Awarded Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation Scholarship

July 17, 2007

ROCK HILL— Kirk Adams, a student at York Technical College has been awarded a $1,000 scholarship from the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation. Adams is among 400 recipients nationwide who have been selected to receive the annual award through the Foundation's Coca-Cola Two-Year Colleges Scholarship Program.

The Coca-Cola Two-Year Colleges Scholarship Program recognizes students attending higher education institutions granting two-year degrees for their commitment to academics and to their community. In order to be considered for the scholarship, students must demonstrate academic success and take part in community services activities.

"After spending 24 years in the printing industry, I wanted to make a career change into the computer field," said Adams. "So I decided to enroll at York Technical College and pursue an Associate Degree in Computer Engineering Technology." Adams has already received two certificates—A+ and Network+ certifications—and is preparing for CCNA certification this summer.

Earlier this year, Adams was named to the Phi Theta Kappa South Carolina All-State Academic Team. Less than one percent of America's six million two-year college students have distinguished themselves with this superior level of academic achievement and service to their colleges and communities.

Like many York Tech students, Adams works full-time. He is employed by the York School District 1 as a computer technician, a job opportunity that was the result of an internship through York Tech. He also operates his own computer business.

When Adams graduates next spring, he hopes to continue his education and earn a B.S. in Network Security. "I intend to use my education to help improve technical support in the school district where I can continue to give back to the community," Adams says.

Despite his commitments to school, work and family, Adams still finds time to be actively engaged in campus and community activities. He is a member of Phi Theta Kappa and served as the Chapter President in 2006 and 2007. Also, he served as the Chapter's Vice President in 2005 and as the Phi Theta Kappa Carolina Region President in 2006. Adams' community activities over the past year include: Operation Christmas Child, Waterway Cleanup, Better World Books, Relay for Life, and the Children’s Attention Home Book Drive.

The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation was created in 1986 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Coca-Cola Company and to establish a legacy for the education of tomorrow’s leaders. Now in its 7th year of funding the Coca-Cola Two-Year Colleges Scholarship Program, the Foundation has provided $3.25 million in scholarship awards to students attending two-year degree granting institutions.

York Technical College ^. 452 S. Anderson Road ^. Rock Hill, SC 29730