A Calhoun Community College student recently achieved an honor awarded to only 50 students in the nation after being named a 2019 Coca-Cola Academic Team Gold Scholar.

Chloe McAlpin, a business major from Huntsville, was the recipient of the honor. She will receive a $1,500 scholarship and a commemorative medallion.

Each year, the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation sponsors the team by recognizing 50 gold, 50 silver and 50 bronze scholarships. The initiative provides nearly $200,000 in scholarships annually.

“We are extremely proud of Chloe and this tremendous accomplishment,” said Dr. Joe Burke, interim president of Calhoun Community College. “This award is the result of a lot of hard work, commitment and determination, and we know that she is most deserving of this honor.”

McAlpin is an active member of Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for two-year college students. She currently holds a 3.855 grade point average.

She plans to attend the University of Alabama in Huntsville following her graduation from Calhoun. Her goal is to earn her bachelor’s degree in business, eventually establish her own business and to “make a positive impact in the world.”

Students are nominated for the academic team by their college administrators. Selection is based on academic achievement, leadership and engagement in college and community service.