Maranto

    Three local high school seniors have been named semifinalists for the 2011 Class of the Coca-Cola Scholars Program.

    McKenzie Griffin and Mary Frances Maranto, both students at Meridian High School, and Annedrea McMillan, a student at Enterprise High School, have been chosen for the next level of the prestigious scholarship program.

    With the 2011 class, the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation will have provided more than 4,700 young scholars nationwide with more than $44 million in scholarships.

    “As a leading scholarship provider, we recognize our role in helping young people achieve their college goals,” said Mark Davis, president of the foundation.    “The economy continues to affect many students’ ability to attend the college of their choice, so it is critical we continue to stay the course. The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation received nearly 71,000 applications this year, and the semifinalists are truly some of the most accomplished students in the country.”

    McKenzie, Mary Frances and Annedrea rank with approximately 2,100 high school seniors who are in the running for $3 million in college scholarships that the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation will award this spring. Students are selected to advance to this next phase based on the academic excellence, leadership and achievement demonstrated in school and community activities. The Class of 2011 Coca-Cola Scholars will mark the 23rd consecutive year that the Foundation has awarded scholarships.

    As semifinalists, students must submit additional information that will be reviewed by a committee comprised of 30 educators from high schools and universities throughout the United States. If advanced, McKenzie, Mary Frances and Annedrea will be among 250 finalists who will travel to Atlanta April 14-17, to attend the Coca-Cola Scholars Weekend. During their visit, they will attend a final interview process that will determine whether they are designated as either a National or Regional Scholar. The 50 National Scholars will each receive a $20,000 scholarship award, while the 200 Regional Scholars will receive a $10,000 scholarship. Two additional $20,000 scholarships are awarded by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, including the Coca-Cola Emory Scholarship and the Sandy Williams Alumni Legacy Scholarship.

    The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, a joint effort of Coca-Cola Bottlers across America and The Coca-Cola Company, is one of the largest corporate-sponsored, achievement-based scholarship programs of its kind in the United States. The program recognizes a diverse group of extraordinary high school seniors who have demonstrated academic and civic excellence in their schools and communites.

    The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation was created 25 years ago in 1986 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Coca-Cola and to establish a legacy for the education of tomorrow’s leaders through college scholarships.

    McKenzie is the daughter of Brenda Griffin and Bob and Starr Griffin of Meridian.

    Mary Frances is the daughter of Greg and JoBeth Maranto of Meridian.    

    Annedrea is the daughter of Arthur and Alisia McMillan of Enterprise.