DAYTONA BEACH, FLA. (August 24, 2026) – Daytona State College culinary student Cezar Nita has been selected as one of 220 Phi Theta Kappa members nationwide to receive a 2026 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholarship. For the recognition, he will also receive a $1,000 award.
The Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholarship Program helps new Phi Theta Kappa members offset educational expenses while pursuing associate degrees. Recipients are selected based on academic achievement, community service and leadership potential, and are encouraged to take leadership roles in Society programs.
“Research shows that Phi Theta Kappa members are four times more likely to complete a college degree than their peers,” said Amanda Karpinski Gorman, Executive Director of the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation. “The Leaders of Promise Scholarships recognize students for what they have achieved already and assure that financial need isn’t an obstacle to achieving their academic goals.”
A native of Craiova, Romania, Nita was living in New Hampshire and looking for opportunities to improve his English and study culinary arts.
“I discovered Daytona State and was drawn to its Culinary Management program,” Nita said. “A recommendation from a chef I knew further confirmed my decision.”
Nita enrolled in the culinary program in Fall 2025 and is on track to graduate in 2027.
“I’ve volunteered at school and culinary events, assisting with setup, service and guest experience,” he said. “I enjoy hospitality because it goes beyond food. It’s about creating memorable experiences and making guests feel genuinely cared for.
“After graduation I plan to continue learning, grow as a chef and eventually build my own brand. Above all, I want to keep learning, cooking and pushing myself to grow in this career.”
The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation provides funding for the scholarships, with a portion earmarked for members who are veterans or active members of the United States military. Additional donations to the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation support multiple Global Leaders of Promise Scholarships earmarked for international students.
“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 leaders of the global community.”
The funds provided by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation not only aid college completion but also give students the opportunity to engage in Society programs and develop leadership skills to become future leaders in their communities.
