Local students join an elite group recognized for leadership, service and academic excellence

Sixteen North Texas students were recently named 2026 Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation Semifinalists, joining an exclusive group of 1,238 students nationwide chosen from more than 107,000 applicants — an advancement rate of just 1.12%, according to the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation.

Representing North Texas Excellence

The Coca-Cola Scholars Program is the largest corporate-sponsored, achievement-based scholarship initiative in the United States, providing more than $90 million in scholarships to over 7,200 students since 1986. The program honors high school seniors who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership and a commitment to service.

This year’s North Texas semifinalists include:


Dallas: Sanjay Bohil and Reagan Graeme (Saint Mark’s School of Texas), Jean Chavez (Early College High School), Precious Lacey (Seagoville High School) and Fatima Mata (Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School)

 
Frisco: Jada Simone Akinseye, Rishi Alluri, Diya Balagopal and Rayyan Khan (Rick Reedy High School), Kendall Noble (Legacy Christian Academy), Raghav Ramprasad (Centennial High School) and Sahasra Swargam (Memorial High School)

 
Lucas: Noelle McGill (Lovejoy High School)

 
McKinney: Elisa Kim (Emerson High School)

 
Plano: Ananya Nagendra and Kareem Hassanien (Plano East Senior High School)

What Comes Next

Each semifinalist will now advance to Phase 2, which includes submitting essays, transcripts and a recommendation letter. An independent selection committee will review submissions and select 250 Regional Finalists in January 2026 for virtual interviews.

From that group, 150 students will be named Coca-Cola Scholars-Select and invited to Coca-Cola Scholars Weekend in Atlanta, Georgia, set for April 23–26, 2026. The event includes the 38th annual Coca-Cola Scholars Banquet and the Leadership Development Institute, where students will network with alumni and fellow honorees.

Recognition Across The Region

In Plano, school leaders praised the accomplishments of their students. “Ananya and Kareem’s recognition reflects their exceptional leadership and character,” said Plano East Senior High Principal David Jones, in an official statement. “We are so proud to have these students represent Plano ISD at the national level. They embody our district’s vision of being committed to excellence, dedicated to caring, powered by learning and being Plano ISD Proud.”

Empowering Future Leaders

According to the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, the program “amplifies the impact of exceptional leaders through scholarships, lifelong learning and a powerful community of mission-driven changemakers.”

Winners selected this spring will each receive a $20,000 college scholarship and become part of a nationwide alumni network dedicated to leadership, service and collaboration.

For the full list of 2026 semifinalists, visit coca-colascholarsfoundation.org.

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