JACKSON SENIOR SEMIFINALIST IN COCA-COLA SCHOLARS EVENT

JACKSON -- Rebecca R. Etherington, a senior at Jackson High School, has been named a semifinalist in the Coca-Cola Scholars program.

She was selected from more than 60,000 applicants as one of 1800 semifinalists.

Semifinalists will complete additional materials, which will be screened by the foundation's program-review committee in March; 150 students will be selected as Coca-Cola Scholars.

These students will attend a national competition in Atlanta from April 18-20, where they will compete for designation as a national or regional Coca-Cola Scholar.

The 50 national scholars will receive awards of $5,000 per year and the 100 regional scholars will receive $1,000 per year, both renewable for up to four years.

"Rebecca exemplifies the balance of leadership, character and achievement in school and the community that we are searching for in our Coca-Cola Scholars," said Bruce Miller, manager of Coca-Cola Bottling Co. of Southeast Missouri. "We are delighted to have a semifinalist from our area, and wish her great success in the final stages of the selection process."

At Jackson High, Etherington has been president of the National Honor Society and active in school clubs as well as community organizations.

She is the daughter of Rick and Prill Etherington.