FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Concordia Lutheran High School senior Ella Stuff has been named a Semifinalist for the 2027 Coca-Cola Scholars Program, placing her among an elite group of students from across the country recognized for their academic excellence, leadership and commitment to service.
Stuff is one of 1,227 students selected as semifinalists from more than 113,000 applicants nationwide. She will advance to the next stage of the selection process for one of 150 college scholarships valued at $20,000 each.
“We are incredibly proud of Ella and this well-deserved recognition,” said Jacob Pennekamp, Head of School at Concordia Lutheran High School. “Her achievement reflects the dedication and academic excellence we strive to cultivate in our students. This distinction further affirms Concordia’s reputation for providing a rigorous, Christ-centered education that prepares students to excel and make a meaningful impact in their communities.”
The Coca-Cola Scholars Program is one of the nation’s largest corporate-sponsored, achievement-based scholarship programs. Established through a partnership between The Coca-Cola Company and Coca-Cola bottlers nationwide, the program recognizes graduating high school seniors who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, leadership and service.
Since its inception, the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation has awarded more than $93 million in scholarships to more than 7,300 students nationwide over 39 years.
As a semifinalist, Stuff will complete a second-phase application that includes essays, a recommendation and an academic transcript. An independent selection committee will review the applications and identify 250 Regional Finalists in early January 2027. These students will participate in online interviews, with 150 ultimately selected as Coca-Cola Scholars in late February.
The 2027 Coca-Cola Scholars will receive $20,000 college scholarships and attend Coca-Cola Scholars Weekend in Atlanta, Georgia, April 15-18, 2027. The event will celebrate their achievements and provide opportunities for leadership development and connection with the program’s extensive alumni network.
Beyond financial support for college, Coca-Cola Scholars join a nationwide community of leaders committed to creating positive change through service, collaboration and continued personal and professional growth.
For more information about the Coca-Cola Scholars Program, visit coca-colascholarsfoundation.org. The complete list of 2027 semifinalists is available at cokeurl.com/2027SF.