Estrella Mountain Community College student, Monika Groomes, was selected as one of 20 Phi Theta Kappa members in the nation to receive the Guistwhite Scholarship. Guistwhite Scholars are chosen based on academic achievement; participation in Phi Theta Kappa, the international honors society of two-year colleges; and service to their colleges and communities. The 20 recipients for 2010 were selected by a panel of independent judges from more than 791 applicants. Each Guistwhite Scholar is awarded a $5,000 scholarship for baccalaureate studies.
The Guistwhite Scholar Program is named in honor of Dr. Jack Guistwhite and his wife, Margaret Guistwhite. Dr. Guistwhite established the first designated transfer scholarship for Phi Theta Kappa members in 1975, and the first Guistwhite Scholars were recognized in 1992.