Scott Wilhite, a student at Northeast Texas Community College, has been selected by Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society to receive a $1,500 scholarship as the 2015 Dr. Mary Hood Texas Region Scholar.
A father of three children, Wilhite enrolled in college after being laid off from his job. A political science major, he earned a 3.92 grade point average at Northeast Texas Community College and became a member of Phi Theta Kappa. In addition to his work within the chapter, Wilhite took on a role coordinating a work scholarship program for NTCC†this summer. He also volunteers with Titus County Cares, where he recently took on the task of improving and expanding the organization's database system. Wilhite is also an award-winning student journalist and is currently the Managing Editor of The Eagle, NTCC's student newspaper.
Wilhite hopes to eventually earn a doctorate of jurisprudence and pursue a career as an advocate for young people in the criminal justice system.
"Scott is an exceptionally motivated student who has taken full advantage of his time at NTCC. His contributions to his Phi Theta Kappa Chapter, his college and his community have been tremendous. I am so pleased to see him honored for his hard work with this scholarship," Dr. Melissa Fulgham, NTCC Phi Theta Kappa Advisor, said.
Dr. Mary Hood served as Texas Regional Coordinator for 18 years and was a member of Phi Theta Kappa?s Board of Directors at the time of her death in 2011. The Dr. Mary Hood Texas Region Scholarship was established in her memory, providing scholarships to Phi Theta Kappa members in Texas who are still attending community college.
The Dr. Mary Hood Texas Region Scholarship is presented to the Texas applicant with the highest score from Phi Theta Kappa?s Spring Scholarship Application, where recipients are chosen for multiple programs from more than 1,000 applicants worldwide to receive in excess of $230,000 in scholarships. Independent judges evaluate the applications based on scholastic achievement, community service and leadership potential.
Phi Theta Kappa is an international honors society that encourages scholarship among two-year colleges. Members participate in leadership development, service and academic activities. The NTCC Alpha Mu Chi Chapter was named a 5-Star Chapter in 2014, putting it among the top chapters in the country.
