BERWYN, PA — Aditya Sirohi and Hita Gupta, both seniors at Conestoga High School in Berwyn, have been recognized as two of the country’s most outstanding high school leaders by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation and have each been awarded a $20,000 college scholarship. Sirohi and Gupta are two of 150 selected from 68,000+ applicants from across the country to receive this scholarship. As members of the 34th class of Coca-Cola Scholars, these students not only exemplify superior leadership, service, and academics – they are change agents, positively affecting others in their community.
- Sirohi is the founder of Hand4Hand Global, an organization meant to connect youth around the world. He also recently started the Teaching Digital Literacy initiative to support Philadelphia students through tutoring and technology workshops.
- Gupta created a nonprofit organization entitled Brighten A Day foundation that sends bags filled with an adult coloring book, large-print puzzles, and a pack of colored pencils to Philadelphia-are nursing homes with uplifting letters of encouragement for local seniors. Gupta’s work has been featured in the Philadelphia Inquirer and CNN.
“This scholarship also allows me to inspire and support a future generation of youth to become a force for good. I’m grateful for this opportunity and eager to explore the awaiting possibilities,” Sirohi said.
“I’m truly grateful to receive this scholarship, which will enable me to continue pursuing my passions by helping me pay for college while continuing to make a difference,” Gupta said. “I am excited to have the opportunity to connect with inspiring scholars who are making a positive impact and working to address the world’s most pressing issues.”
In the fall, Sirohi will study Computer Science with a focus in artificial intelligence and Business and minoring in cognitive/neurological science. He is undecided on where he will attend but is considering the University of Maryland or the University of Michigan. Gupta is currently undecided on a university and major.
A joint effort of Coca-Cola bottlers across the country and The Coca-Cola Company, the Coca-Cola Scholars Program is the largest corporate-sponsored, achievement-based scholarship program in the United States. With the addition of the 2022 class, the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation will have provided more than 6,600 Coke Scholars nationwide with over $78 million in scholarships over the course of 34 years.
“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 Hopkins, President of the Foundation. “The Coca-Cola system is dedicated to giving back to the communities they serve, and the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation is proud to be a part of that commitment.”
In addition to receiving college scholarships, those students selected as Coca-Cola Scholars will be welcomed into a vibrant and growing family of alumni that have become a powerful force for positive change in the world. Through networking, collaborations, and friendships, the group strives to make a greater impact together. Recent initiatives include a podcast called The SIP and the sixth year of a coaching program that partners seasoned alumni with first-year Scholars as they transition to college. Every five years, all alumni are invited to a Coca-Cola Scholars Leadership Summit.
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