Johnny Perkins, a senior at St. James High School, has been named a Semifinalist for the 2026 Class of the Coca-Cola Scholars Program. Perkins is the son of Lori Connealy Perkins and Mark Perkins. 

A total of 1,238 high school seniors were selected as semifinalists from a pool of over 107,000 submitted applications from across the country. Students were chosen based on academic excellence, leadership, and service demonstrated in school and community activities.   

As a semifinalist, Perkins is moving on to the next round to become a Coca-Cola Scholar and receive a $20,000 scholarship. 

“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 Paulsen, President of the Foundation. “The Coca-Cola system is dedicated to giving back to the communities they serve, and the Scholars Foundation is proud to be a part of that commitment.” 

Semifinalists are now asked to complete Phase 2 applications, which include essays, a recommendation, and a transcript. An independent selection committee will review the applications and recommend 250 Regional Finalists in early January to take part in online interviews. One hundred and fifty of the Regional Finalists will be named as Coke Scholars-select in late February and attend Coca-Cola Scholars Weekend in Atlanta, GA, April 23-26, 2026 where they will be the guests of honor at the 38th annual

Coca-Cola Scholars Banquet. They will also participate in the Coca-Cola Scholars Leadership Development Institute facilitated by program alumni. Upon completion of the Scholars Weekend in Atlanta, they will be named official Coca-Cola Scholars and receive a $20,000 college scholarship. 

In addition to receiving college scholarships, those students selected as Coca-Cola Scholars will be welcomed into a vibrant and growing community of alumni that has become a force of positive change in the world. Through networking, collaborations, and friendships, the group strives to make a greater impact together. Unique opportunities include a coaching program that partners seasoned alumni with first year Scholars as they transition to college, professional and personal development programming, and a Coca-Cola Scholars Leadership Summit every five years. 

A joint effort of Coca-Cola bottlers across the country and The Coca-Cola Company, the Coca-Cola Scholars is the largest corporate-sponsored, achievement-based scholarship program in the United States. With the addition of the 2026 class, the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation will have provided more than 7,200 Coca-Cola Scholars nationwide with over $90 million in scholarships over the course of 38 years.