Valencia College student Cesar Parra has been selected as a 2026 Coca-Cola Academic Team Scholar, according to an April 2 announcement. Parra, who lives in Kissimmee, will receive a $1,300 scholarship for his academic achievement, leadership, and service.
The Coca-Cola Academic Team is sponsored by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation and administered by the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. The program recognizes some of the highest-achieving community college students across the United States.
“Winning this scholarship is further proof that when you put in the hard work and the effort, people will recognize and value that,” Parra said. He is set to graduate from Valencia College in May with two associate degrees through the Seneff Honors College before transferring to the University of Central Florida to study computer engineering. Parra plans to use his scholarship funds to move closer to UCF so he can participate actively in campus life.
During his time at Valencia College, Parra worked as a recreational monitor at the campus fitness center where he developed an app designed to help students create personalized exercise plans using available equipment. He also co-founded an Osceola Campus Sports Club that now includes more than 80 active members.
“Valencia has genuinely been a second home to me, and I don’t say that lightly,” Parra said. “I came in without really knowing how any of this worked, and this place met me where I was and gave me room to grow into something I’m proud of.”
Coca-Cola Academic Team scholars are recognized at both local and statewide ceremonies. They were also honored internationally during Phi Theta Kappa’s annual convention held in Baltimore in March. Phi Theta Kappa is described as a premier honor society for students at associate degree-granting colleges with more than 4.4 million members worldwide.
