The Coca-Cola Foundation Honors UA Scholarship Students

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The Coca-Cola Foundation recently awarded scholarships to a select group of University of Alabama students, providing them with the opportunity to be the first in their families to earn a college degree.

“Our goal for these scholarships is two-fold – to provide access to a college education for first generation students who may not otherwise be able to afford it, and to provide the support the student needs to achieve academic success,” said Lori Billingsley, vice president, community relations, Coca-Cola Refreshments.

“We are pleased to partner with The University of Alabama to offer this program to these deserving students,” said Billingsley, who also spoke at a recent luncheon honoring the UA scholarship recipients.

UA was the first public institution to partner with The Coca-Cola Foundation’s First Generation Scholarship Program in 2006. In 2011, the Coca-Cola Foundation renewed the scholarship program on UA’s campus for another four years with an additional $1 million gift to UA.

UA currently has 48 students benefiting from the program.

Since 1993, The Coca-Cola Foundation has helped more than 1,300 students on hundreds of college campus become the first in their families to attend college.

This year’s Coca-Cola First Generation Scholars luncheon recognized the 2011-2012 freshman class. Each of the 12 recipients will receive $5,000 annually for the next four years.

In addition to Billingsley, Dr. Mark Nelson, UA vice president for student affairs and associate provost, and Michael Brewer, vice president of market unit field operations for Coca-Cola Refreshments, met and honored the UA students at the luncheon.

The following 2011-2012 UA Coca-Cola First Generation Scholars were recognized at the event:

Collin Bunyan of Huntsville – Bunyan is a graduate of Virgil I. Grissom High School, where he took several advanced placement courses. During high school, he participated in the string orchestra and water polo. In addition to his studies, he volunteered with both children and the elderly in his community, as well as with the Red Cross. Bunyan plans to earn his degree from UA’s Culverhouse College of Commerce and Business Administration.

Cortez Burney of Tuscaloosa – Burney is a graduate of Paul W. Bryant High School, where he ranked in the top 10 percent of his class. He was a member of the National Honor Society, Tri M Music Honor Society and National Society of High School Scholars. He also served as a leader in the school’s marching band and cross-country team in addition to volunteering with children at local schools and museums. Cortez plans to pursue a degree in the Culverhouse College of Commerce and Business Administration.

Hannah Copeland of Hoover  – Copeland is a graduate of Hoover High School, where she ranked in the top quarter of her class. She was a member of the National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta and served both as a class representative for the Student Government Association and as the community liaison officer of her junior class. She also volunteered for various community service activities and with Habitat for Humanity. Copeland plans to obtain a degree from the UA College of Arts and Sciences and later attend medical school.

Elizabeth Detz of Huntsville – Detz is a graduate of Huntsville High School, where she was a member of Delta Tri Sigma, the Key Club and the Art Honor Society. During high school, she worked several part-time jobs and also found time to participate in school athletics and volunteer for church activities and with Relay for Life. Detz plans to earn a degree from the College of Arts and Sciences and later attend law school.

Kallie Flynn of Cullman – Flynn is a graduate of Cullman High School with an advanced diploma. Her 4.0 GPA ranked her in the top 10 percent of her class. She participated in the Leo and Key clubs, the National Honor Society and on the yearbook staff. During high school, she lettered in cross-country, participated in varsity golf and volunteered within her community. She plans to obtain a degree in marketing at UA.

James Ha of Prattville – Ha is a graduate of Prattville High School with an honors diploma. Ranked in the top 15 percent of his class, he was a member of several honor societies and groups and earned the Spirit of the Lions award. He served as the executive secretary of the Student Government Association and secretary of the Debate Team. Ha plans to pursue a degree from the Culverhouse College of Commerce and Business Administration.

Christine Harris of Birmingham – Harris is a graduate of Oak Mountain High School, where she maintained high class ranking while enrolled in advanced placement and honors courses. She was a member of several honor societies and performed in school musicals as part of the show choir. She also balanced a part-time job with volunteering with Children’s Health Systems and Meals on Wheels. She plans to pursue a degree in nursing at UA.

Brianna Torshay Jackson of Childersburg – Jackson is a graduate of Childersburg High School with an advanced diploma. During high school, she participated in dual enrollment at Central Alabama Community College, held several jobs and volunteered extensively. She served as the Mu Alpha Theta President and was also a member of Key Club. Jackson plans to earn a degree from the Capstone College of Nursing.

Leslie Perez-Meza of Huntsville – Perez-Meza is a graduate of Lee High School with an advanced diploma. She held leadership positions with the Student Government Association, Academic Team and varsity soccer team. She also volunteered with breast cancer awareness projects and gave swimming lessons for special needs individuals. Perez-Meza is pursuing a public relations degree from the College of Communication and Information Sciences.

Justin Rippen of Decatur – Rippen is a graduate of Austin High School with an advanced diploma. In addition to volunteer activities during high school, he was a member of Mu Alpha Theta and played on the varsity baseball team, where he was named Most Improved Player. He plans to obtain a degree from the UA College of Arts and Sciences.

Sarah Saint of Moulton – Saint is a graduate of Lawrence County High School with an advanced diploma. She graduated in the top 15 percent of her class. She was a member of the National Honor Society, served as a teaching assistant to various school faculty, tutored her peers and worked two jobs. She plans to earn her degree from the College of Arts and Sciences.

Chelsea Williams of Elba – Williams is a graduate of Enterprise High School, where she finished in the top 10 percent of her class and participated in the Future Business Leaders of America. She also worked multiple jobs, tutored in math, and volunteered extensively. Williams is pursuing degrees in psychology and cultural anthropology from the UA College of Arts and Sciences.

About The Coca-Cola Foundation: The Coca-Cola Foundation awarded more than $70 million to 263 community organizations around the world in 2011 to support sustainable community initiatives, including water stewardship, community recycling, active healthy living and education. For more information about The Coca-Cola Foundation, please go to www.thecoca-colacompany.com/citizenship/foundation_coke.html.