Rickie (Rick) Abbott, Miles Community College student, was honored as Montana's 2009 New Century Scholar at the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) convention on April 4-6 in Phoenix, Arizona. Rick was named a New Century Scholar recipient through the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society of Two-Year Colleges. The New Century Scholars program is an extension of the All-USA Academic Team competition with the highest-scoring student in each state on the All-USA Academic Team named a New Century Scholar. Rickie represented all community college students from Montana at the AACC Opening Ceremonies on Saturday, April 4 and at a reception on Sunday, April 5. In addition, New Century Scholars were invited to attend the President's Breakfast honoring All-USA Academic First Team members on Monday morning, April 6. Miles Community College President, Stefani Gray Hicswa, attended the AACC Convention and the ceremonies honoring New Century Scholars.

Mr. Abbott is a sophomore majoring in Business. His future educational plans include attending Montana State University-Billings to pursue a bachelor's degree in Business then continue on for a Master's degree with an emphasis in Accounting.

All New Century Scholar recipients receive a $2,000 stipend funded by the Coca-Cola Foundation and the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation.