Gowder, Saha and Wu excel as Coca-Cola Scholar Semifinalists

MADISON – The Coca- Cola Scholars Foundation has granted three students at James Clemens High School — Oviya Gowder, Sahishnu Saha and Erik Wu – with the prestigious honor of 2025 Coca-Cola Scholar Semifinalist.

“Being named a Coca- Cola Scholar Semifinalist is not only a recognition of past accomplishments but also a signal of future potential,” Lana Meskunas said. Meskunas is College and Career Counselor at James Clemens.

“The honor can help Oviya Gowder, Sahishnu Saha and Erik Wu gain confidence as they continue to navigate their academic and professional journeys,” Meskunas said. In years to come, these semifinalists will be ‘the people to watch’ in their careers.

“This award has a far-reaching impact beyond the financial support, as it brings visibility to the student’s achievements, connects them with a powerful network of alumni and opens doors to other scholarships, internships and opportunities. For many, it serves as an important stepping stone to greater academic and career success,” Meskunas said.

Financial support from the Coca-Cola Scholars Program is significant and adds to the prestige for Oviya Gowder, Sahishnu Saha and Erik Wu. “The Coca-Cola Scholarship provides $20,000 for educational expenses, significantly impacting a student’s ability to attend college and reduce the burden of student debt,” Meskunas said.

While the funding is substantial, the selection process equally recognizes the student’s character and potential. Coca-Cola Scholars demonstrate key qualities:

• Academic excellence – Strong performance in coursework, frequently beyond their academic pursuits, with high GPAs in challenging curriculum.

• Leadership — Initiative for civic, classroom and extracurricular activities, such as leading a club or organizing volunteer work.

• Community service – Participation in meaningful projects that positively impact the city or neighborhood.

• Integrity and character: Development of moral character, strong work ethic and self-improvement.

After committee review, 250 scholars will advance as Regional Finalists. From that group, 150 students will become Coca-Cola Scholars with a $20,000 scholarship.

Since 1986 nationwide, Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation has provided 7,050plus Coke Scholars with more than $87 million in scholarships. These students benefit from networking and initiatives like the Scholars Ignite Podcast and a coaching program that partners seasoned alumni with first-year scholars.

The Coca-Cola Scholars Program scholarship is achievement-based. Applicants are evaluated on leadership, academics and service. Although officials ask applicants to provide income and ethnicity information, these elements are used only for reporting purposes.

Earlier this year, Gowder, Saha and Wu were selected as National Merit Semifinalists.

For more information, visit coca-colascholarsfoundation. org.