Named As National Coca-Cola Scholar

Matthew Colantonio, an exceptional senior at Chaminade High School in Mineola, has been recognized as one of the country's most outstanding high school seniors by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation and has been awarded a $20,000 National Coca-Cola Scholarship for college.

The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, a joint effort of Coca-Cola Bottlers across America and The Coca-Cola Company, is one of the largest corporate-sponsored, achievement 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. In Garden City, the Foundation is supported by the financial commitment of Elmsford Coca-Cola Bottling Company and The Coca-Cola Company.

"Matthew Colantonio has shown a steadfast commitment to educational excellence, leadership and service to his school and community," said Sandy Williams, Chairman of the Board of the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation and President of Corinth Coca-Cola Bottling Works in Corinth, MS. "The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation is proud to name Colantonio a 2007 Coca-Cola National Scholar."

Colantonio 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 the Coca-Cola Scholars Weekend, held April 12 - 15 in Atlanta, Ga. Scholars were chosen from an initial applicant pool of more than 87,000 representing approximately 23,000 high schools nationwide. The 2007 Class of Coca-Cola Scholars 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, the 2007 class was also recognized at a banquet held in their honor. Muhtar Kent, President and Chief Operating Officer of The Coca-Cola Company, gave the banquet keynote address and encouraged Scholars to reach for their dreams. Also during the Scholars Weekend, the students participated in leadership seminars, participated in a community service project, toured CNN, the Georgia Aquarium, the Martin Luther King Jr. Center and attended an Atlanta Braves games.

The Coca-Cola Scholars Program is one of the most-recognized and respected corporate sponsored scholarships in America. The program was created in 1986 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Coca-Cola and to establish a legacy for the education of tomorrow's leaders through college scholarships. Including the 2007 Class of Coca-Cola Scholars, The Foundation has now awarded more than 3,750 Coca-Cola Scholars with a total of $32 million in scholarship awards.