Matthew Colantonio, an outstanding senior from Chaminade High School in Mineola will start college next fall with the help of the Elmsford Coca-Cola Bottling Company and The Coca-Cola Company. Matthew Colantonio was selected as a scholarship finalist from a field of more than 2,100 semifinalists by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation based on academic excellence, school leadership and community activities.

Colantonio is one of 250 high school seniors selected nationwide to compete for a cash scholarship from the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation. On April 12, Colantonio will join other finalists as they travel to Atlanta, the headquarters for The Coca-Cola Company, for the Scholars Weekend to compete for 50 four-year college scholarships of $20,000 and 200 four-year scholarships of $10,000. Over the four-day weekend, the finalists will interview with a National Selection Committee, tour the city, meet with former Coca-Cola Scholars and participate in a range of activities including a community service project. Additionally, the 2007 Class of Coca-Cola Scholars will be recognized at a banquet hosted by Coca-Cola, educators, local dignitaries and friends of the Scholars Foundation.