San Antonio, TX (January 11, 2007) – Harold Bishop III, a student at Runge High School, has been selected as a semifinalist for the 2006-2007 Coca-Cola Scholars Program. 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-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.

He ranks with approximately 2,100 high school seniors who are in the running for $3 million in college scholarships that the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation will award in spring 2007. Students are selected to advance to this next phase based on the level of academic excellence, leadership and achievement demonstrated in school and community activities. The Class of 2007 Coca-Cola Scholars will mark the nineteenth year Coca-Cola will award these scholarships.

"The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation received more than 87,000 applications this year, and the Semifinalists are truly some of the brightest students in the country," said Jane Grout, Sales Center Manager for San Antonio Coca-Cola Bottling Company. "We’re delighted to have such a talented pool of students to consider."

As semifinalists, students must submit additional information that will be reviewed in February 2007 by a committee comprised of 30 educators from high schools and universities throughout the United States. If advanced, Bishop will be among a total of 250 Finalists who will travel to Atlanta April 12 – 15, 2007 to attend the Coca-Cola Scholars Weekend. During their visit they will attend a final interview process that will determine whether they are designated as either a National or Regional Scholar. The 50 National Scholars will each receive a $20,000 scholarship award, while the 200 Regional Scholars will receive a $10,000 scholarship.