Hattie Bumgarner, a student at Miles Community College, has been named a 2025 Coca-Cola Academic Team Silver Scholar and will receive a $1,250 scholarship, according to a press release from Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society.
The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation sponsors the Coca-Cola Academic Team program, recognizing 50 Gold, 50 Silver, and 50 Bronze Scholars with nearly $200,000 in scholarships annually. Each scholar also receives a commemorative medallion.
Bumgarner, a sophomore from Belt, Montana, was ecstatic to learn she had been named to the team. “This means so much to me,” she said. “My hard work and good grades are paying off, and it is so nice that it’s being noticed.”
“I am so proud of Hattie,” stated MCC Business Instructor and Phi Theta Kappa Advisor Kristy Atwood. “She is an amazing member of our MCC PTK chapter and incredibly deserving of this honor.”
Throughout her time at MCC, Bumgarner has been actively involved in various extracurricular activities while excelling academically. She has been a member of the Women’s Pioneer Volleyball team for the past two seasons and is a dedicated member of Phi Theta Kappa, the Young Farmers and Ranchers Club, and Student Senate. In addition, she has contributed to campus life by serving as a Resident Assistant in Pioneer Village, demonstrating her leadership and commitment to fostering a strong student community while also working in the MCC Cafeteria.
"Hattie is receiving this national recognition because of her natural leadership ability and willingness to serve others,” said Atwood.
Students are nominated for the Coca-Cola Academic Team by their college administrators. Selection is based on academic achievement, leadership, and engagement in college and community service.
“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 to make it possible for more deserving students to achieve their educational goals and support tomorrow’s global community leaders.”
Coca-Cola Academic Team members will be recognized in both local and statewide ceremonies. They will also be recognized internationally during Phi Theta Kappa’s annual convention, PTK Catalyst, in Kansas City, Missouri, April 3-5.
“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.”
Bumgarner intends to further her education after leaving MCC, aiming to earn a bachelor's degree in business with a focus on accounting at Montana State University next year.
“This is going to make a big difference (and lessen the financial burden) when it comes to paying for school,” stated Bumgarner. “I’m so thankful for this opportunity!”
Phi Theta Kappa is the first 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 4.4 million members and nearly 1,250 chapters in 11 countries, with approximately 220,000 active members in the nation’s colleges. Learn more at ptk.org.
