Two Northeast State students earn scholarships through PTK – Elizabethton Star
Published 1:48 pm Monday, September 1, 2025
By Contributed Content
Two students from Northeast State Community College earned scholarships benefiting students through the Phi Theta Kappa International (PTK) Honor Society Foundation.
Kevin Duffy, of Elizabethton, was selected to receive the inaugural 2025 Chime Workforce Scholarship. The scholarship provides Duffy with a $1,000 award to fund tuition, fees and other expenses associated with completing his degree. The Chime scholarship was awarded to 200 students nationwide.
Naomi Johnson, of Piney Flats, was named a 2025 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholar. Johnson was one of 200 students selected from among more than 600 applicants across the nation. The scholarship grants her a $1,000 award toward tuition and academic expenses.
“Students receive scholarships not just for what they’ve achieved, but for what their talent, hard work and determination hold for their futures,” said Dr. Jane Honeycutt, dean of Teaching Excellence and Academic Resources at Northeast State. “Kevin and Naomi reflect the potential all of our students have to contribute.”
Chime Workforce Scholars are selected based on outstanding academic achievement, engagement, leadership potential and career readiness. The Chime scholarship recognizes high-achieving college students who are pursuing career and technical educational opportunities.
“We are thrilled to launch this new program and award hardworking students with Chime Workforce Scholarships,” said Amanda Karpinski Gorman, interim director of the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation. “These scholarships support students pursuing career and technical education at two-year colleges, and we look forward to seeing all they go on to accomplish.”
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The Chime Scholars Foundation generously provides the Chime Workforce Scholarship. The foundation awards $200,000 in scholarships to 200 community college students enrolled in workforce-ready programs. The funds help cover traditional educational expenses as well as costs specific to entering the workforce, such as certification fees, uniforms and tools.
Sponsored by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, the Leaders of Promise Scholarship recognizes 200 Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) members with awards totaling $200,000. Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholars are selected based on outstanding academic achievement and demonstrated leadership potential. Promise Scholars recipients were selected by a panel of independent judges.
Leaders of Promise Scholars often assume leadership roles by participating in PTK programs. Scholar selection focuses on scholastic achievement, community service and leadership potential.
“The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation has a long history of providing financial assistance to outstanding students at community colleges,” said Jane Hale Paulsen, 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 leaders of the global community.”
