MIDDLETOWN, N.Y. – SUNY Orange education student John Marro has been selected to receive a 2019 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholarship, worth $1,000, as part of a program funded by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation to help Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society members at community colleges defray educational expenses.

Marro, of Marlboro, was one of 207 students chosen nationwide as the Coca-Cola Foundation will disperse a total of $207,000 through its Leaders of Promise Scholarship Program. Scholars are encouraged to assume leadership roles by participating in PTK programs and are selected based on scholastic achievement, community service, and leadership potential. Nearly 900 applications were received.

“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, make it possible for more deserving students to achieve their educational goals, and support tomorrow’s leaders of the global community.”

The funds provided by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation not only aid college completion, but also give students the opportunity to engage in Society programs and develop leadership skills to become future leaders in their communities.

Marro is a member of SUNY Orange’s PTK chapter and is enrolled in the College’s Honors Program. He is planning to earn his associate’s degree in English 7-12 education and transfer to SUNY New Paltz in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree. Marro enlisted in the Army National Guard in June 2016 and was dispatched to Ft. Leonard Wood, Mo., for training to become a military police soldier. Since then, he has remained with the 727th MP Law and Order Detachment in Cortlandt Manor, N.Y., where he continues to train to assist, protect and defend service members and their families.

He is also a writer and author, and enjoys the creative side of many art forms, including writing, acting, dancing, animation and photography.

“Research shows that Phi Theta Kappa members are four times more likely to complete a college degree than their peers,” said Dr. Monica Marlowe, executive director 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.”

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. Learn more at www.ptk.org.