SENMC Student Named Coca-Cola Academic Team Member

JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI

Sammy Lopez, Jr., a student at Southeast New Mexico College, has been named a member of the 2026 Coca-Cola Academic Team and will receive a $1,300 scholarship.

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

Sammy Lopez is a remarkable student whose dedication, leadership, and perseverance exemplify the values of Southeast New Mexico College. He has consistently demonstrated a willingness to support faculty, staff, and fellow students, which led to being awarded the Mountain Lion Student of the Month award for February 2026. Recently, Sammy made the difficult decision to change his career path from pre-nursing to pursuing an Associate of Science degree so that he may continue his education and ultimately attend medical school with the goal of specializing in neurology. His dream is to attend Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland.

Sammy is also highly involved in Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), where he serves as both a chapter officer and a New Mexico Regional Officer. Through his involvement in PTK, he has earned significant recognition for his achievements, including being named a 2025 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholar and being selected this year for the prestigious New Mexico All-State Academic Team. Beyond campus, Sammy is deeply committed to serving his community as a Certified Medication Aide at CARC, where he assists clients with medication while gaining valuable hands-on healthcare experience, and he also helps care for a disabled family member at home. Sammy Lopez is an exceptional individual whose academic determination, service to others, and leadership within PTK and the broader community make him truly deserving of this recognition.

“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 global community leaders.”

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.