Partly cloudy skies. Low 78F. W winds shifting to NNE at 10 to 15 mph..
Partly cloudy skies. Low 78F. W winds shifting to NNE at 10 to 15 mph.
Updated: June 3, 2024 @ 5:32 pm
Sonya Colattur and Monica Nitu of Xavier, and Gabriella Nakai of Arcadia High are among 150 high school seniors chosen for the 2024 Coca-Cola Scholarship – a pool that saw over 103,800 applicants nationwide.
These students made it through a competitive selection process to receive a one-time $20,000 college scholarship.
Now in its 36th year, the Coca-Cola Scholars Program is the largest achievement-based, corporate-sponsored opportunity in the U.S. The company offers scholarships to students who demonstrate superior leadership, service and academics while inspiring positive change in their communities. Over $84 million has been awarded since the program began.
Sonya, Monica, and Gabriella were invited to attend the Coca-Cola Scholars Weekend in Atlanta from April 25 to 28, which included a banquet and a leadership development session with program alumni.
To be considered, students must be actively involved in their school and the broader community.
Sonya ticks those boxes, participating in Mock Trial for all four years at Xavier. She secured proclamations from Governors Doug Ducey and Katie Hobbs to recognize June 7-14 as Multiracial Heritage Week.
Sonya also raised awareness of companion pets for seniors through her nonprofit, GrandPaws Pantry, which she founded eight years ago to support the enduring connection between humans and animals.
She said she was ecstatic to receive the scholarship ahead of her move to the University of Pennsylvania to attend the Huntsman Program in International Studies and Business. She hopes to pursue a pre-law track or work in government and policy, with an interest in constitutional or immigration law.
“The Coca-Cola Scholarship brings together some of the brightest, kindest and most passionate youth in my generation and it’s an honor to be in this community,” Sonya said.
Monica displayed community involvement through her work with Pierian Spring, Xavier’s art and writing magazine. As editor-in-chief, she celebrated and encouraged creative expression and helped grow the magazine through collaborative meetings and poetry workshops.
Her hard academic and extracurricular work paid off with the scholarship news, which will make a big difference as she plans to major in history at Columbia University while also fulfilling pre-med requirements.
“Being recognized as a 2024 Coca-Cola Scholar came as a complete surprise, but one filled with gratitude,” Monica said. “Considering the caliber of past scholars and their achievements, I feel incredibly humbled to be counted among them.”
Monica said she is grateful for the financial assistance and future guidance as she strives to attend medical school and continue supporting nonprofit initiatives.
“It connects me with a network of scholars with strong ambitions and diverse perspectives,” Monica added. “This is invaluable for personal growth, professional opportunities and developing connections with like-minded peers that can last a lifetime.”
At Arcadia High, Gabriella participated in Student Government all four years and served as an Arcadia Ambassador. She founded N.A.S.A. (Native American Students of Arcadia) to help grow the community and foster friendship.
“When I applied for the scholarship, it felt like a shot in the dark because it’s so selective, but the worst that could happen would be for them to say no. The best thing is that I got it,” Gabriella said. “It’s incredible to see the passions other scholars have and how inspiring they are, but it’s also amazing to know that the things I’m passionate about others are taking a real interest in and, in turn, are investing in me!”
Gabriella will take her scholarship to Stanford University and hopes it will connect her with other changemakers as she pursues public service advocacy.
“The scholarship means that someone else believes that the change I want to make in the world is feasible,” Gabriella said. “This organization and selection committee have seen my impact and work in the community and want to invest support and money to ensure that I can pursue it in college and in the future.”
High school seniors may apply for the scholarship starting August 1, 2024.
coca-colascholarsfoundation.org
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