UA Honors the Fourth Group of Coca-Cola First Generation Scholars

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Through the Coca-Cola First Generation Scholarship program, a select group of UA students have been given the opportunity to be the first in their families to earn a college degree. 

“Education matters to The Coca-Cola Company, which for more than 120 years has supported learning inside and outside the classroom,” said Ingrid Saunders Jones, senior vice president of The Coca-Cola Company, and chairperson of The Coca-Cola Foundation. “At Coca-Cola, we believe education has a major impact in building lives and sustaining communities … We see education as a change agent. In 1993, we created The Coca-Cola First Generation Scholarship program in recognition of aspiring students across the country who wanted to make a difference in their lives … and in their communities. To date, we have helped more than 1,200 students … on more than 400 campuses … become the first in their families to attend college.” 

The Coca-Cola First Generation Scholars luncheon was held on March 23 to recognize the 2009-2010 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 Ingrid Saunders Jones; Libby Wanamaker, group director, Community Connections CCNA; Walker Jones, community relations director, Coca-Cola Bottling Company United; and UA President Robert E. Witt. 

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

“These UA students exemplify excellence at our University, and we are thankful for our partnership with Coca-Cola, and it is an honor to support them in their journey through college,” said Pam Parker, UA vice president of advancement.   

Groups of 12 students have been 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 2009-2010 UA Coca-Cola First Generation Scholars are: 

Hannah Diane Carter of Andalusia 

Carter is a graduate of Straughn High School. In high school, she was involved in many volunteer activities including Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child, Adopt-a-Mile, Veteran’s Day Reception and Parade, and the Red Cross Blood Drive.  Carter was recognized for numerous academic achievements and served in leadership roles in many of her high school organizations.  During the summer of 2008, she participated in the Rural Health Scholars Program at UA. Carter plans to pursue her degree in the College of Arts and Sciences. 

Yi Chen of Eufaula   

Chen is a graduate of Eufaula High School. She has achieved many honors and awards including first place in the Alabama Penman District Competition for her fiction writing.  Chen has served as a volunteer at the Barbour County Humane Society, and she has participated in the Samaritan Christmas Shoe Box project, Relay for Life, and the Indian Summer Festival.  Chen is also a talented musician.  She plans to pursue her degree in the College of Arts and Sciences.  

Tyler Clark of Guntersville 

Clark is a graduate of Arab High School. While in school, he was a member of the Beta Club, A-Club, and Skills U.S.A.  He was the captain of the varsity football team and was awarded the Most Valuable Defensive Player Award in 2008.  Clark was also a member of the varsity track and field team.  At UA, he plans to pursue his degree in the College of Engineering. 

Denzel L. Evans-Bell of Birmingham  

Evans-Bell is a graduate of Ramsay High School. He was a member of the JROTC Drill Team, varsity baseball team, marching band, and he was president of Phi Kappa Sigma.  He has received numerous awards and has contributed in many ways to local volunteer organizations such as the Water Festival at Samford University.  Evans-Bell plans on pursuing his degree in the College of Engineering. 

Paige Henderson of Orange Beach 

Henderson is a graduate of Gulf Shores High School. She participated in many service organizations including Key Club, Interact Club and National Honor Society.  While at UA, Paige plans to pursue her degree in the College of Arts and Sciences. 

Jeremy Jordan of Greenville  

Jordan is a graduate of Greenville High School. He was involved in many extracurricular activities in high school including football, track and JROTC.  Jordan also participated with the Greenville F.A.C.T.S Club, Key Club and the St. Paul Baptist Church.  He plans to pursue his degree in the Culverhouse College of Commerce and Business Administration. 

Lindsey Lowe of Prattville 

Lowe is a graduate of Prattville High School. She served as writer, photographer, assistant editor, and editor-in-chief for her high school yearbook.  Lowe was also involved with Prattmont Baptist Church youth group and served as a volunteer in the children’s programs.  Lowe plans to major in journalism within the College of Communication and Information Sciences. 

Donald Merren of Mobile   

Merren is a graduate of Murphy High School. Merren was an active member of DECA (an association of marketing students) where he was instrumental in opening a school store. He has been involved in many activities such as football, track and his local youth group. Merren plans to pursue a degree in the Culverhouse College of Commerce and Business Administration.  

Joshua Moncrief of Cullman 

Moncrief is a graduate of Cullman High School. He has volunteered numerous hours in projects such as Kenya Relief School Supply Drive, Relay for Life, American Red Cross Blood Drive, and the Soldier Care Packages Project.  Moncrief was a member of his high school football team and served as the German Club president.  He is pursuing a degree in the Culverhouse College of Commerce and Business Administration.   

Ryan Renaud of Huntsville   

Renaud attended Huntsville High School.  He held leadership roles in many organizations including servind as Student Council representative and appointed officer, parliamentarian of the FBLA, member of Interact Club and Boys State representative.  After he earns a bachelor’s degree from the Culverhouse College of Commerce and Business Administration, he plans to pursue a law degree at UA.  

Lauren Grace Renfroe of Gurley   

Renfroe is a graduate of Madison County High School.  She was a member of the student council, history club, yearbook staff and student ambassadors.  Renfroe was also a member of the varsity basketball team.  She is pursuing a degree in the Culverhouse College of Commerce and Business Administration.  

Amanda Nicole Robinson of Haleyville  

Robinson is a graduate of Winston County High School.  She graduated as valedictorian of her class and was a member of the National Beta Club and Future Teachers of America, and was a participant in numerous academic bowls.  Robinson was chosen for Governor’s School and Girls State during her senior year.  She is pursuing a degree in the Culverhouse of College of Commerce and Business Administration.