Macomb Community College student named Coca-Cola Academic Team Scholar

Macomb Community College student Ariana Dockham, 23, of Sterling Heights, has been named to the 2026 Coca-Cola Academic Team, an honor recognizing high-achieving community college students across the nation for outstanding academic performance, leadership and engagement in community service. Each scholar receives a $1,300 scholarship and a commemorative medallion from the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, which sponsors the program.

Dockham is pursuing an Associate of Applied Science in paralegal studies. She will graduate in May and plans to transfer this fall to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in public policy at a university.

“I learned I had been selected right after finishing a particularly challenging midterm, and the news completely changed the tone of my day,” said Dockham. “After leaving college years ago and returning with doubts about whether I could succeed, this scholarship is meaningful proof that I truly do have what it takes.”

Dockham says she is motivated to work hard in her studies to achieve her goal of becoming an attorney, following her passion for fairness and justice. She was nominated by college administrators for her service in Phi Theta Kappa, a community college honor association. As a Phi Theta Kappa chapter officer, Dockham helped lead research-based service initiatives that addressed campus needs and strengthened student engagement.

“We thank the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation for recognizing these student leaders and for investing in their futures,” said Lynn Tincher-Ladner, president and CEO of Phi Theta Kappa. “Scholarships like these are integral to the success of these students in reaching their educational and career goals.” 

Coca-Cola Academic Team Scholars are recognized at local and statewide ceremonies throughout the spring and will be honored internationally during the Parade of Scholars at PTK Catalyst, Phi Theta Kappa’s annual convention, held March 26-28 in Baltimore.

“Ariana’s recognition as a 2026 Coca-Cola Academic Team Scholar reflects the commitment, hard work and promise we see in so many Macomb students,” said James O. Sawyer IV, president, Macomb Community College. “Her achievement embodies the college’s mission of transforming lives and communities through the power of education, and we are proud to support her continued success.”

About Macomb Community College

Macomb Community College (www.macomb.edu) is about transforming lives and communities through the power of education, enrichment and economic development. Macomb grants the largest number of associate degrees in Michigan and is the largest community college in the state. The college provides programming for youth through seniors, including early college for high school students, university transfer and career preparation programs, workforce education, continuing education and certification, and a wide range of enrichment opportunities encompassing arts, culture and lifelong learning.

About the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation

The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation celebrates and empowers visionary leaders who are refreshing the world. Supporting more than 1,400 exceptional college students each year, it awards $3.55 million in scholarships annually through three nationally recognized programs. Learn more at coca-colascholarsfoundation.org.

About Phi Theta Kappa

Phi Theta Kappa is the first honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders. The Society is made up of more than 4.4 million members and nearly 1,250 chapters in 11 countries, with approximately 220,000 active members in the nation’s colleges. Learn more at ptk.org.

Media Contact: Katlyn Holtvluwer, holtvluwerk281@macomb.edu, 586.349.8737