Emma Marcotte ‘27

REPORTER

In late January, senior Eleanor “Ellie” Day was named a Regional Finalist for the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation. The scholarship recognizes students who are dedicated to community service, leadership, and making a positive impact on others. With the support of the Coca-Cola Company and Coca-Cola Bottlers, the foundation invests in “exceptional leaders” and provides them with enrichment opportunities, in addition to a monetary prize of $20,000. For over 25 years, Coca-Cola Scholars have taken action in society to drive advancements in technology, health, and social progress.

Day applied for the scholarship after hearing about the valuable work the Scholars do. The application process took three rounds over multiple months. She initially submitted a list of her involved extracurriculars, awards, and grades. The semifinal rounds required her to detail her school and community involvement, write seven essays, and submit recommendation letters. The final stage involved an interview with a member of the Coca-Cola Foundation Board. Out of 105,000 applicants, only 1,300 advanced to the semifinals, and 250 were selected as regional finalists.

Throughout high school, Day has explored her interests in science and writing both inside and outside of school. “Over time, I think I’ve learned how to use writing in order to talk about scientific events, and...science has definitely made my writing more vivid. I think the two complement each other very well,” said Day.

For students aspiring to become Coca-Cola Scholars, Day emphasizes the importance of community involvement. She is involved in multiple organizations, including helping to run Teen Health & Medicine Society and Right Cause outside of school. Additionally, she recommends working on building a global outreach. “[The scholarship gives] me the opportunity to not just help my local community but try to make an impact on a more global scale,” said Day.

Day was ecstatic when she received the news, immediately sharing it with her family and her mentor, English teacher Katie Deldotto. “It was very rewarding and made me feel really good because I [was] recognized for being someone who [not only] excels academically, but also tries to help their community in any way possible,” said Day. “Getting this far in the Coca-Cola Scholarship program is something that I am very proud and honored about.”

The experience has fueled Day’s passion for public health, inspiring her to make a lasting difference in the field. “After reading the questions and learning more about the Co[Ca-Cola] program, the [Scholarship] Alumni, and the differences they were making, I was really inspired to make a difference in my community as well,” said Day. Moving forward, Day is excited to “see where this journey takes [her] and the people [she’ll] meet along the way.”