SANFORD - Central Carolina Community College student Sarah Shannon-Mohamed, of Lillington, has been chosen to receive Phi Theta Kappa's Carolinas Region Joan Keller Scholarship.

Phi Theta Kappa is the official honor society for two-year colleges and the largest honor society in American higher education.

"Receiving the Joan Keller Scholarship is such an honor, and I am so thankful to the Phi Theta Kappa-Carolinas Region Alumni Association," said Shannon-Mohamed.

"The scholarship is based on servant leadership, and students were asked to identify one specific example which exemplifies servant leadership in your life," she said. "Being chosen as this year's recipient has shown me that servant leaders are still crucial individuals in today's society. Community colleges are built upon the principles of servant leadership and the projects I have been involved with at CCCC have augmented my leadership style, transforming me into a true servant leader."

A 1997 graduate of Presque Isle High School in Presque Isle, Maine, Shannon-Mohamed is married with eight children. Two of her children attend CCCC through the Lee Early College program.

Shannon-Mohamed currently is pursuing Associate in Art and Associate in Science degrees at CCCC.

Shannon-Mohamed says that following graduation this spring, she plans to transfer to either Harvard University's Extension School or UNC-Chapel Hill to pursue a Bachelor of Environmental Science with a minor in History. "My long-term goals are to earn a Master of Science degree specializing in the field of Environmental Geology. I would also endeavor to continue on to obtain my Ph.D. in Environmental Sciences or Geology," she said.

"My long-term career goals involve educating our youth, and sharing my knowledge of our world with others. After earning my Ph.D., I would like to work as a consultant for the United Nations. My goal is to find ways to promote sustainable technologies and lifestyles which would enhance and fortify the earth and its inhabitants."

CCCC Chemistry Instructor Dr. Rodney Powell, who is advisor for CCCC's PTK, noted, "Sarah serves as a tremendous role model to all those people who think they can't go back to college because life is too busy. She is a mother of eight and helps her husband manage two businesses. On top of that, she serves as a student ambassador and president of Phi Theta Kappa. She actively participates in almost every activity for both. She is truly an amazing student who will go far in life."

Shannon-Mohamed said she has enjoyed being a member of Phi Theta Kappa. "The Honors in Action project has been especially rewarding for me. Delving into the world of research and seeking the in-depth answers to the unknown has taken me beyond the classroom setting," said Shannon-Mohamed.

"One of the most important things that I have gained from PTK is knowledge, and one of the most important things I have learned is that in order to truly lead one must serve first. Throughout the many meetings with my fellow members, service is constantly being discussed and planned. Our focus is not on how we can further ourselves, but rather how we can help to further others."

For more information on Central Carolina Community College, visit the website www.cccc.edu.