So much for sibling rivalry.
Christopher High School seniors Austin and Dylan Ellemberg were both named semifinalists for the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation Scholarship Program, according to a November announcement from the organizers.
The twin brothers were among 1,896 high school seniors selected as semifinalists from a pool of 95,715 applications from across the country based on their academic excellence, leadership and service demonstrated in school and community activities.
They are now in the running for 150 college scholarships worth $20,000 as the CHS seniors advanced to the next round of the selection process to become a Coca-Cola Scholar, according to organizers.
Semifinalists must complete Phase 2 applications, which include essays, recommendations, and transcripts. An independent selection committee will review the applications and select 250 Regional Finalists by the end of January to participate in online or in-person interviews.
From that, 150 Coca-Cola Scholars will be named in March 2019 and come to Atlanta in April for a celebratory banquet and Leadership Development Institute facilitated by program alumni.
With the addition of the 2019 class, the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation will have provided more than 6,150 Coke Scholars nationwide with more than $69 million in scholarships over the course of 31 years.
“We believe that identifying these young leaders throughout the country and encouraging their passion for serving others not only empowers the students, but also lifts up those around them,” said Jane Hale Hopkins, President-Elect of the Foundation.
In addition to receiving college scholarships, those students selected as Coca-Cola Scholars will be welcomed into a vibrant and growing family of alumni that have become a powerful force for positive change in the world. Through networking, collaborations, and friendships, the group strives to make a greater impact together.
Recent events and initiatives include the 2018 Coca-Cola Scholars Leadership Summit, a post-hurricane clean-up in Houston, and the third year of a coaching program that partners seasoned alumni with first-year Scholars as they transition to college.
For more information, visit coca-colascholars.org.
dek: CHS student takes second in poster contest
Christopher High senior Maia Nantais was awarded second place by the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office for the poster she submitted for their annual “Justice for All” contest, according to an announcement from the DA’s office.
This year’s theme was “Post Parkland: Students Speak Out Against School Shootings.”
As the second-place winner, Nantais—who will be recognized by the Gilroy Unified School District’s Board of Education at a future meeting—earned a $1,000 award.
“Parkland was both an atrocity and a spark,” District Attorney Jeff Rosen said. “Young people are seeking solace and solutions. I am seeking to partner with them to ensure Silicon Valley is a safe, dynamic place to learn.”
All entrants received prizes ranging from money to Starbucks gift cards. The first-place winner received $1,500 and their work was put on display on the District Attorney’s website and other venues. The third-place winner was awarded $500.
