Pratt Community College student James Goerzen went to New Orleans, La., with college president William A. Wojciechowski to receive a national academic and community service scholarship at the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society national recognition ceremony.

Goerzen is a 2009 graduate of Goessel High School.

The award ceremony was April 11, in conjunction with the American Association of Community Colleges 2011 convention.

More than 1,600 students from 800 community colleges were nominated for the scholarship. At the local level, students were nominated by faculty and proceeded through an application process that includes an essay and interview.

Goerzen was selected as one of two winners from Pratt Community College, advancing to the all-state academic team.

From that group, Goerzen was chosen as the state winner for Kansas, advancing to the national competition. At the national level, there are four scholarship categories — bronze, $1,000; silver, $1,250; gold, $1,500; and New Century, $2,000. Goerzen was selected as a New Century Scholar.

Scholarship winners were selected based on grade-point average and community service. Goerzen will graduate from Pratt Community College in May and plans to attend Bethel College in North Newton.