Three James Clemens High School Students Named Coca-Cola Scholarship Semifinalists

Three Madison Students Earn Prestigious Coca-Cola Scholarship Semifinalist Award

Madison is buzzing with excitement as three outstanding students from James Clemens High School have received a remarkable honor. Oviya Gowder, Sahishnu Saha, and Erik Wu have been named 2025 Coca-Cola Scholar Semifinalists! This prestigious recognition not only celebrates their past accomplishments but also highlights their bright futures ahead.

A Proud Moment for James Clemens High School

Lana Meskunas, the College and Career Counselor at James Clemens, couldn’t be prouder of these three students. “Being named a Coca-Cola Scholar Semifinalist is a fantastic badge of honor,” Meskunas said. “It’s not just about what they’ve achieved so far; it’s about the potential and confidence this recognition brings as they continue to grow, both academically and personally.”

Indeed, the journey isn’t over for Oviya, Sahishnu, and Erik. In the future, they are sure to be individuals to watch as they pave their paths in their chosen careers.

A Gateway to Opportunities

This award is much more than just a title. The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation aims to support the selected students beyond their high school years. “This honor provides a significant boost to their visibility,” Meskunas stated. “It connects them to a powerful network of alumni and opens up countless doors for scholarships, internships, and other exciting opportunities.” For many students, this could be a vital stepping stone toward even greater achievements.

Financial Support Matters

One of the most enticing aspects of the Coca-Cola Scholars Program is the financial backing it provides. Each Coca-Cola Scholar receives a generous scholarship of $20,000 to support their educational expenses. Meskunas explained, “This funding can significantly impact a student’s ability to attend college and minimize the burden of student debt.”

More Than Just Academic Excellence

While the financial aspect is vital, the selection process emphasizes much more than just grades. The Coca-Cola Scholars Program looks for students who exemplify key qualities such as:

• Academic excellence: Strong performance in coursework, often going above and beyond in a challenging curriculum.
• Leadership: Demonstrated initiative through civic, classroom, and extracurricular activities.
• Community service: Involvement in meaningful projects that create a positive impact in the community.
• Integrity and character: Development of strong moral character and a solid work ethic.

What’s next for these bright stars? After an extensive review process, 250 semifinalists will be chosen as Regional Finalists, from which 150 students will ultimately become Coca-Cola Scholars—each receiving the coveted $20,000 scholarship.

A Legacy of Support

Since its inception in 1986, the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation has made a significant impact, providing scholarships to over 7,050 students and distributing more than $87 million in funding. But it doesn’t stop there! The foundation offers ample networking opportunities and programs, like the Scholars Ignite Podcast and a coaching initiative that pairs incoming scholars with experienced alumni.

Recognition Beyond the Award

Earlier this year, Oviya, Sahishnu, and Erik also earned the title of National Merit Semifinalists, further showcasing their academic prowess. For those seeking more information about this valuable program, head over to the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation’s website.

As Madison celebrates these three exemplary students, it’s a reminder that exceptional talent and hard work truly do get recognized. Here’s to Oviya, Sahishnu, and Erik—may their future endeavors be just as bright as their achievements!