UA Recognizes Third Class of Coca-Cola First Generation Scholars

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Leadership, motivation and a drive to achieve higher education describes a select group of University of Alabama students given opportunity, by the Coca-Cola First Generation Scholarship program, to become the first in their families to earn a college degree.

The Coca-Cola First Generation Scholars luncheon was held this week to honor the 2008-2009 freshman class. The scholarship program is made possible by a $1 million gift from the Coca-Cola Foundation to the University’s “Our Students. Our Future.” campaign.

On hand to meet and honor the UA students at the event were: Gary Fayard, executive vice president and chief financial officer of The Coca-Cola Co., treasurer of The Coca-Cola Foundation and who is also a UA graduate; Helen Smith Price, group director, corporate community affairs and executive director, The Coca-Cola Foundation; Walker Jones, community relations director,
Coca-Cola Bottling Co. United; and UA President Robert E. Witt.

The 12 students who were recognized this week are the third group in a series of UA students who will receive $5,000 scholarship each year for four years, courtesy of the Coca-Cola First Generation Scholarship program.

“Each year we marvel at the accomplishments of these scholars and are so grateful for the Coca-Cola Foundation’s generous and continued partnership,” said Dr. Pam Parker, vice president of advancement at UA.

Groups of 12 students have or will be selected as Coca-Cola First Generation Scholars in years 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009. A total of 48 students will receive $20,000 in scholarships. The donation also includes $40,000 for freshman prep classes and orientation.

The 2008-2009 UA Coca-Cola First Generation Scholars are:

Nicholas Charles Bishop of Trussville

Bishop is a 2008 graduate of Hewitt-Trussville High School. Bishop was a member of National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, the French Club, and he served as the president of FBLA and the student director of the Hewitt Trussville Singers. He was also active in many religious organizations including student Christian organizations and Christian homeless ministries. Bishop plans to pursue his degree in education through UA’s College of Education.

Young Chan Choi of Enterprise

Choi is a 2008 graduate of Enterprise High School where he was a member of the Future Business Leaders of America, the National Honor Society and the varsity soccer team. Choi also worked at the Enterprise Public Library and the Enterprise S.O.S. Animal Shelter. He was born in Korea. While at UA, Choi plans on pursuing his degree in the Culverhouse College of Commerce and Business Administration.

Tasha Lauren Dew of Phenix City

Dew is a 2008 graduate of Central High School. She was a member of the Student Council, the French Club and the Scholars Bowl Team. Dew also participated in cheerleading and was the president of the Future Business Leaders of America. She participated in volunteer activities including Habitat for Humanity, Relay for Life and the March of Dimes. While at UA, Dew plans on pursuing her degree in finance through the Culverhouse College of Commerce and Business Administration.

Elizabeth Michelle Doherty of Selma

Doherty is a 2008 graduate of the Alabama School of Mathematics and Sciences in Mobile. She was a member of the Student Government Association where she served as a class representative. Doherty was also a member of the Math Club, the National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society and was a participant in the Model United Nations. She plans on pursuing her degree through UA’s Culverhouse College of Commerce and Business Administration.

Treasure Fay of Atmore

Fay is a 2008 graduate of Escambia County High School where she also participated in a dual enrollment program at Jefferson Davis Community College. She was a member of the National Honor Society, the Future Business Leaders of America, Student Government Association and the Rotary Club. Fay also participated in an afterschool program where she mentored at-risk girls. She plans on pursuing her degree through UA’s College of Arts and Sciences.

Kyle Fox of Gainesville

Fox is a 2008 graduate of Jackson High School. He was a member of the marching and concert bands for four years, serving as a section leader for two of those years. Fox also participated in the National Honor Society, Future Business Leaders of America and served as his senior class treasurer. He volunteered with the Clarke County Association for Retarded Citizens, the Adopt-a-Mile Roadside Cleanup and the Salvation Army. While at UA, Fox plans to pursue his degree through the College of Arts and Sciences.

Melanie Faith Hubbert of Winfield

Hubbert is a 2008 graduate of Hubbertville High School, where she served as junior and senior class treasurer, president of the Future Teachers of America and president of the Beta Club. She was also involved in Upward Bound, Scholar’s Bowl, and she was a delegate to the 9th Annual Alabama Youth Summit. Hubbert volunteered with Relay for Life, the West Alabama Youth Leadership Institute and the Fayette County Clean-Up Campaign. She plans to major in civil engineering within UA’s College of Engineering.

Meisha Oliver of Birmingham

Oliver is a 2008 graduate of Ramsey High School where she was a member of the Algebra I and Algebra II math teams. She was also involved in Alpha Chi Psi sorority, the Future Business Leaders of America, the Red Cross Club and various religious activities. Oliver plans on pursuing a degree at UA in the Culverhouse College of Commerce and Business Administration in the hopes of becoming a Certified Public Accountant.

Sara Geneva Shipp of Montgomery

Shipp is a 2008 graduate of the Lamp Academic Magnet Program High School. She was a member of the National Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society and the Key Club. Shipp was also involved in the LAMP Invitational Mock United Nations and played softball. Because of her strong desire to preserve our planet and to educate the public about “going green,” Shipp plans to major in environmental science in UA’s College of Arts and Sciences.

Zachary Swiecki of Hamilton

Swiecki is a 2008 graduate of Hamilton High School. He served as senior class president, president of the National Honor Society and as the president of the Science Club. Swiecki also participated in Key Club, the Scholar’s Bowl Team and as a section leader and assistant drum major in the Hamilton High School Band. He plans on pursuing his degree at UA in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Corey Whaley of Huntsville

Whaley is a 2008 graduate of Johnson High School in Huntsville. He served as president of the Distributive Educational Clubs of America, was a recipient of the President’s award for outstanding academic achievement and played basketball. At UA, Whaley is majoring in operations management in the College of Commerce and Business Administration while pursuing his goal of becoming a hospital administrator.

Kelvin Williams of Birmingham

Williams is a 2008 graduate of Shades Valley High School. He was a member of the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta and Future Business Leaders of America. He served as a Shades Valley Student Ambassador and as a volunteer at the Birmingham Zoo. Williams plans on majoring in accounting in the Culverhouse College of Commerce and Business while attending UA. He is interested in pursuing a master’s degree.