Arthur Rachel Arthur of Bringhurst, a senior at Carroll High School, has been awarded a $10,000 Regional CocaC o l a Scholarship for college.

The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation increased the regional scholarship award to $10,000 ($2,500 a year for four years), up from $4,000 earlier this year, but kept the news a surprise until Scholars Weekend in April.

The Coca-Cola scholarship program is one of the largest corporatesponsored, achievement-based scholarship programs of its kind in the United States. The program recognizes a diverse group of extraordinary high school seniors who have demonstrated academic and civic excellence in their schools and communities.

The regional scholarships are supported by the Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Kokomo and The Coca-Cola Company.

"Rachel Arthur has shown a solid commitment to educational excellence, leadership and service to the school and community," said Sandy Williams, chairman of the board of the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation.

Arthur joined 249 of America's most impressive high school students who competed for the 50 national scholarships of $20,000 and 200 regional scholarships of $10,000 during Scholars Weekend, held April 6-9 in Atlanta, Ga.

Scholars were chosen from an initial applicant pool of more than 50,000, representing approximately 23,000 high schools nationwide. The 2006 class interviewed with a National Selection Committee representing education, business, government, and arts leaders from across the country. The committee evaluated the scholars on their academic achievements, school and community leadership, and their desire to succeed.

During the Scholars Weekend, members of the 2006 class were recognized at a banquet held in their honor. The students participated in leadership and environmental stewardship seminars. They visited the new Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola, and the Martin Luther King Jr. Center.

Additionally, the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation has a partnership with the Corporation for National Service which provides an additional $500 to high school juniors and seniors through the Presidential Freedom Scholarship Program. This program rewards and encourages activities that have a significant impact in meeting local community needs. The students must have contributed at least 100 hours of community service during the last year.