HFCC student named Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team Gold Scholar

The Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society recently named HFCC Honors Student Amir El-Aswad a 2013 Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team Gold Scholar. One of 1,800 applicants, El-Aswad will receive a $1,500 scholarship and a special medallion. “I was absolutely surprised and delighted at the same time when I learned that I won this scholarship,” said El-Aswad, of Bloomfield Hills. The 2011 Andover High School alumnus chose to attend HFCC rather than a community college near his home because of the high rate of diversity on campus. He is a member of Phi Theta Kappa; Amnesty International; and the Rotaract Club, which is the college affiliate of Rotary International. Also, El-Aswad is the editor-in-chief of The Mirror News, HFCC’s student-run newspaper, and has served as an English tutor in HFCC’s Learning Resource Center (LRC). In addition to being named a Gold Scholar, El-Aswad presented his scholarly paper, “The Power of Persuasion: A Rhetorical Analysis of the Citizens United v. FEC Case” last month at the Liberal Arts Network for Development (L.A.N.D.) Student Conference in Bay City, Mich. He won first place ($150), and his paper will be published in an upcoming issue of the L.A.N.D. Conference Journal. Following graduation in May, El-Aswad hopes to transfer to Connecticut College in New London, Conn. or the University of Michigan, aspiring one day to become a lawyer and practice international law. The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation sponsors the Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team program by recognizing 50 Gold, 50 Silver and 50 Bronze Scholars. The Foundation provides approximately $200,000 in scholarship money annually. Phi Theta Kappa administers this program and recognizes its scholars during the All-State Community College Academic Team Recognition ceremonies in 38 states. Scholars also receive local recognition during ceremonies held on campus and internationally for those who are able to attend Phi Theta Kappa’s annual convention. El-Aswad’s fellow honors student, Kelcie Bourquin, of Dearborn, was also nominated for this scholarship. “The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation has a long history of providing financial assistance to outstanding students at community colleges. We are proud to partner with Phi Theta Kappa and make it possible for deserving students to achieve their educational goals,” said J. Mark Davis, president of the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation. For more about the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, please visit http://www.coca-colascholars.org/.