Merlin D’Souza, a high school senior at Casa Grande Union High School, has been named a Semifinalist for the 2021 class of the Coca-Cola Scholars Program. 1,609 high school seniors were selected as Semifinalists from a pool of 99,403 submitted applications from across the country based on their academic excellence, leadership, and service demonstrated in school and community activities. The Semifinalists are contenders for 150 college scholarships worth $20,000.
Merlin now moves to the next round of the selection process to possibly become a Coca-Cola Scholar and receive a $20,000 college scholarship. She will complete a Phase 2 application, which includes essays, a recommendation, and transcripts. An independent selection committee reviews the applications and select 250 Regional Finalists by the end of January to participate in online interviews. 150 Coca Cola Scholars will be named in March to receive a $20,000 college scholarship and participate in the Coca-Cola Scholars Leadership Development Institute facilitated by program alumni.