JPS Student Named Finalists for 2010 Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation

The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation named its 2010 Class of Scholars this week. Wingfield High School senior Carlos D. Smith was one of the 253 outstanding high school seniors across the country named as finalists. Finalists were chosen from a field of over 2,000 semifinalists based on academic excellence, school improvement and community leadership.

On March 25, Smith will join other finalists at The Coca-Cola company headquarters in Atlanta for a four-day event that will include an interview with a National Selection Committe, a tour of local landmarks, and a community service project. The finalists will compete for college scholarships of $20,000 or $10,000. Scholarship awards will be announced during a banquet to honor the finalists.

Smith, who is Salutatorian of the 2010 graduating class from Wingfield, is a member of the Wingfield High School National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta Mathematics Honor Society, and the Wingfield High School Academic Quiz Bowl Team. He is also a member of several other academic organizations, including the USA Honor Society, the National Achievement Academy, and the National Society of High School Scholars. Carlos is Wingfield High School’s Student Body President and a JROTC Battalion Commander and holds leadership positions in a number of other organizations.

Smith plans to attend Jackson State University and pursue a major in Chemistry with a minor in Mass Communications. Upon graduation from Jackson State, Carlos expects to attend the University of Mississippi Pharmacy School, with a simultaneous commission into the U.S. Army. His ultimate career goal is to serve as a pharmacist in the U.S. Army.

The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation is one of the most-recognized and respected corporate-sponsored scholarships in America. The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation was created 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. In 2010, the Foundation marks its 22nd consecutive year of scholarship awards. With the 2010 class, the foundation will have provided 4,529 Scholars with nearly $42 million in scholarships.