Gauck named Coca-Cola Scholars semifinalist
Oct. 20—GREENSBURG — North Decatur High School senior Addie Gauck has been named a semifinalist for the 2024 Coca-Cola Scholars Program, moving to the next round of the selection process to become a Coca-Cola Scholar and receive a $20,000 college scholarship.
A joint effort of Coca-Cola bottlers across the country and The Coca-Cola Company, the Coca-Cola Scholars Program is the largest corporate-sponsored, achievement-based scholarship program in the United States. With the addition of the 2024 class, the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation will have provided more than 6,900 Coke Scholars nationwide with more than $84 million in scholarships over the course of 36 years.
"We believe that identifying these young leaders throughout the country and encouraging their passion for serving others not only empowers the students, but also lifts up those around them," said Jane Hale Hopkins, President of the Coca Cola Foundation. "The Coca-Cola system is dedicated to giving back to the communities they serve, and the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation is proud to be a part of that commitment."
Semifinalists are now asked to complete Phase 2 applications, which include essays, a recommendation, and a transcript.
An independent selection committee will review the applications and recommend 250 Regional Finalists in early January 2024 to take part in online interviews.
One hundred fifty Coke Scholars will be named in late February to receive a $20,000 college scholarship and attend Coca-Cola Scholars Weekend in Atlanta, Georgia, April 25 to 28, 2024.
Gauck and her co-winners will be the guests of honor at the 36th annual Coca-Cola Scholars Banquet and participate in the Coca-Cola Scholars Leadership Development Institute facilitated by program alumni.
In addition to receiving college scholarships, students selected as Coca-Cola Scholars will be welcomed into a growing community of alumni that has become a powerful force for positive change in the world. Through networking, collaborations and friendships, the group strives to make a greater impact together.
Recent initiatives include a podcast called The SIP (The Coke Scholars Ignite Podcast) coaching program that partners seasoned alumni with first-year Scholars as they transition to college. Every five years, all alumni are invited to the Coca-Cola Scholars Leadership Summit.
Contact Bill Rethlake at 812-651-0876 or email bill.rethlake@greensburgdailynews.com
