Valerie Binge

ALPENA — Alpena Community College student Valerie Binge has been named a member of the 2026 Coca-Cola Academic Team as well as a member of the 2026 Phi Theta Kappa All-Michigan Academic Team.

Binge is in the 13th year of the Early Middle College program through Atlanta High School, pursuing an Associate of Arts in Education. In addition to maintaining an ACC grade point average of 4.0 and a high school grade point average of 4.159, she has been actively involved on campus. While attending ACC, Binge has been part of the Early Middle College program, has served as the Phi Theta Kappa Vice President, and has been an active member of Student Leadership Commission and RISE. After graduating from ACC this May, she will continue on to Saginaw Valley State University where she will pursue a degree in Secondary Education.

“Education has always been more than a goal for me–it is a way to create meaningful change,” said Binge. “As my school’s Valedictorian with the highest GPA in school history, I have dedicated myself to academic excellence while actively serving my community through tutoring, volunteer work, and leadership organizations.”

As a member of the 2026 Coca-Cola Academic Team, she will receive a $1,300 scholarship and a commemorative medallion. Coca-Cola Academic Team members will be recognized in both local and statewide ceremonies. Sponsored by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation and administered by Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, the Coca-Cola Academic Team represents some of the highest-achieving community college students in the nation.

To be part of Phi Theta Kappa, students must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher and have completed at least 12 hours of coursework towards an associate or bachelor’s degree or 6 hours of coursework toward a 1-year certificate.