Sarah Privett named 2024 Coca-Cola Bronze Scholar

Sarah Privett, ‘24, has been named a 2024 Coca-Cola Academic Team Bronze Scholar and will receive a $1,000 scholarship. 

The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation sponsors the Coca-Cola Academic Team program by recognizing 50 Gold, 50 Silver, and 50 Bronze Scholars with nearly $200,000 in scholarships annually. Each scholar also receives a commemorative medallion. 

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. 

"It feels great," Privett exclaimed, sharing her excitement and gratitude for the recognition. "I'm excited to be a part of the team but was really nervous and shocked when I found out. I've been anticipating it for over a year, trying to win a scholarship, and working on that. So, to know that I won felt really good, not just for myself but for everybody else too."

Privett's journey to this achievement has been marked by determination and resilience. 

Reflecting on her decision to pursue accounting, Privett explained, "Finance is essential in every industry, and I felt like if I got a good foundation in accounting, it would give me the freedom to move wherever I want in the future." 

Her path to academia wasn't conventional, having initially dropped out of high school and later obtaining her GED. Yet, Privett's commitment to her education didn’t waiver.

Despite facing challenges, Privett found solace and purpose in her studies at Ivy Tech Indianapolis. She expressed her gratitude for the supportive environment fostered by the institution, emphasizing the positive impact of faculty, staff, and fellow students. 

"I've had nothing but great, positive, and encouraging people around me," Privett remarked, highlighting the sense of motivation propelling her.

Privett's dedication to her education and her community extends beyond the classroom. She currently serves as the Student Government Association (SGA) Vice President, actively contributing to campus life and student advocacy. She has also been involved in extracurricular activities, including playing a critical role at the Ivy Insider, where she was both a writer and editor. 

Explaining her passion for writing, Privett says, "Numbers can get boring after a while,” she laughed. ”I wanted a way to express myself creatively. Being an online student, I knew I needed to be more involved."

Looking ahead, Privett plans to utilize the Coca-Cola scholarship towards her future endeavors, including enrolling at Indiana University-East to pursue a degree in business administration. 

As Privett received her Bronze Scholar medal at PTK Catalyst 2024 in Orlando, Florida, her journey stood as a testament to the transformative power of education, particularly at a community college. 

“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 (PTK) to make it possible for more deserving students to achieve their educational goals and support tomorrow’s global community leaders.”

Learn more about accounting at Ivy Tech and PTK.