James Goerzen Named 2011 Coca-Cola New Century Scholar

Pratt Community College Automotive student, James Goerzen, sophomore, was among 50 other students from the United States, Canada and the British Virgin Islands to be named 2011 Coca-Cola New Century Scholars.
 
The New Century Scholars are the highest scoring students in each US state, Canada and the British Virgin Islands. Each scholar will receive a $2,000 scholarship and plaque, and was recognized in the April 11, 2011 edition of USA TODAY. There was a reception and program April 11 in New Orleans, La.
 
More than 1,600 students were nominated from 800 community colleges for recognition. Judges considered grades, leadership, activities and how students extend their intellectual talents beyond the classroom.
 
Goerzen was recommended by Misty Beck, speech communication/drama and theatre instructor at PCC.
 
“James is one of those people who is a silent leader,” Beck said. “He doesn’t say much, but when he speaks people listen. He leads by example and shows the qualities of a true servant leader.” 
 
After being recommended, Goerzen was asked to write an essay about his life experiences and then was called in for an interview before being chosen as one of two PCC students to receive the scholarship.
 
“His essay really stood out,” said Hannah Shaw, PTK sponsor. “It was pretty incredible.”
 
In Goerzen’s essay he spoke about how his dream has always been to work on cars and after spending a summer with his family serving at a homeless shelter and thrift store he wants to spend his life serving.
 
Goerzen was nominated as a Coca Cola All-State Community College Academic Team member which qualified him to go onto the national scholarship competition. Along with Goerzen, Brian Rios was also selected to represent PCC at the state level. In order to be nominated, a student must have a cumulative college-level GPA of 3.50 on a 4.0 scale and must be in good standings at their community college.