Lauren Deinhardt Selected as Gold Scholar

Brookdale’s Lauren Deinhardt of Howell, NJ was selected as a 2019 Coca-Cola Academic Team Gold Scholar and will receive a $1,500 scholarship. All the 2019 Coca-Cola Academic Team Scholars will be officially recognized at PTK Catalyst, Phi Theta Kappa’s Annual Convention from April 4-6 in Orlando, Florida.

“I am so grateful for this honor and thankful to my family and members of the Brookdale community who supported me,” said Deinhardt. “Brookdale has given me a solid academic foundation and opened up doors for new opportunities.”

The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation sponsors the program which is administered by the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. The organization received more than 2,000 applications this year. Scores in the All-USA Academic Team competition determined those who earned Gold Scholar status. Gold Scholars receive a $1,500 scholarship.

“Lauren’s award is a recognition of her perseverance, academic excellence and commitment to service,” said Brookdale President David Stout. “She is among Brookdale’s best and a great ambassador for this institution and her community where she has made a positive impact in many ways. I know that her future beyond Brookdale is a bright one filled with many possibilities.”

Deinhardt, a criminal justice major at Brookdale, will continue her studies at Monmouth University this fall in a joint bachelor’s and master’s program. She is considering pursuing a law degree after completing the Monmouth University program. Deinhardt is an officer with the PTK chapter at Brookdale and part of the Honors Program. As an Honors Ambassador and Honors Mentor, she meets with high school students and provides guidance on the transition from high school to college.

Deinhardt is considering various career options such as a criminal investigator, prosecutor or intelligence analyst. She has completed internships with the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office and the United States Air Force. A certified lifeguard with the American Red Cross, Deinhardt has also volunteered as an art therapist with CareOne Assisted Living in Jackson, NJ.

“Brookdale has given me a solid academic foundation and opened up doors for new opportunities.”

-Lauren Deinhardt

Throughout the spring, 39 states host All-state Academic Team Recognition ceremonies where Coca-Cola Gold Scholars are recognized. Phi Theta Kappa will recognize the 2019 Coca-Cola Academic Team Scholars on stage at PTK Catalyst, Phi Theta Kappa’s Annual Convention, April 4-6 in Orlando, Florida.

Deinhardt is the fourth Brookdale student in recent years to earn honors under the program acknowledging the accomplishments of community college students.

The Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team recognizes high achieving two-year college students who demonstrate academic excellence and intellectual rigor combined with leadership and service that extends their education beyond the classroom to benefit society. The program awards $187,500 in scholarships annually.