VALDOSTA — Lowndes High senior Erin Yoo has been selected as a Semifinalist for the prestigious 2025 Coca-Cola Scholars Program. This year, out of over 105,000 applicants nationwide, 1,336 students were chosen to continue in the selection process based on their academic excellence, leadership, and dedication to community service.

These 1,336 students were among the 1.27% selected from over 105,000 applicants from across the country to continue through our selection process based on their academic excellence, leadership, and service demonstrated in school and community activities, the scholarship program said in a press release.

They are currently submitting their semifinalist applications to be reviewed by the Program Reading Committee, the press release said. After this review, 250 will advance as Regional Finalists, with 150 becoming Coca-Cola Scholars and receiving 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 37th class, the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation will have provided more than 7,050 Coke Scholars nationwide with over $87 million in scholarships since 1986.

“In addition to receiving college scholarships, those students selected as Coca-Cola Scholars will be welcomed into a vibrant community of alumni that has become a powerful force for positive change in the world,” the press release said. “Through networking, collaborations, and friendships, the group strives to make a greater impact together. Initiatives include a podcast called The SIP (The Coke Scholars Ignite Podcast) and the ninth year of a coaching program that partners seasoned alumni with first-year Scholars as they transition to college. Every five years, all alumni are invited to a Coca-Cola Scholars Leadership Summit.”