Waltham Student Wins $20,000 Scholarship And Leadership Training

WALTHAM, MA — A senior at Waltham High School senior was named one of three 2018 Coca-Cola Scholars from Massachusetts, winning a $20,000 college scholarship and a trip to a Leadership Development Institute for intensive leadership training.

Priya Patel and the two other Massachusetts students (one from Fitchburg and one from Winchester) will be honored alongside 147 others from across the country for their achievements at their 2018 Scholars Weekend’s 30th Annual Scholars Banquet in April.

"I've been at Waltham for 11 years, and I don't remember any one else getting this award. It's a great accomplishment," said Marisa Maddox who was Priya's AP Biology teacher and the faculty adviser to the High School Science Club of which Priya is president."It's an exclusive group."

Maddox said she was amazed that the scholarship was $20,0000 and that such a small number of students across the country got the award each year. But, she said, more than that what stood out was that the foundation noticed her academic achievements but also her leadership ability and impact on the community.

Maddox described Priya as the type of student in the notoriously difficult AP Bio that earned an A+ every single quarter.

"Which tells you she works hard, is responsible and is curious to learn the material, which is unusual for a high school student," she said.

Maddox said Priya, who worked her way up from just a member of the club her freshman year to president, handles much of the science club and has been integral to the group starting a lecture series on science that has opened the topic to the rest of the school.

Maddox isn't the only one excited about Priya's achievement.

"Coke Scholars are change agents, positively affecting others in their community, and we are very proud of Priya!" announced the Superintendent's office this week.

Coca-Cola Scholars are well-rounded, bright students who not only excel academically, but are also actively involved in their schools. These leaders are passionate and service-oriented, and demonstrate a sustained commitment to bettering their community, according to the scholarship page.

High school seniors with a minimum 3.0 unweighted GPA can apply in the August of their senior year until the October 31 for the merit-based award.

The mission of the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, which hosts the awards, is to provide scholarship programs and lifelong enrichment opportunities "in support of exceptional peoples’ thirst for knowledge and their desire to make a difference in the world," according to the foundation's website.

"In addition to exemplifying superior leadership, service, and academics, Coke Scholars are change agents, positively affecting others in their community, and we are so proud of Priya," posted the administration to Facebook.

As for what Priya thinks about all this?

"She is so incredibly modest," said Maddox. "She's just modest and smiles about it and takes it all in. You know she's excited, but she's certainly not bragging about it."

To celebrate Coca-Cola’s centennial in 1986, The Coca-Cola Company and Coca-Cola bottlers came together to fund the Coca−Cola Scholars Foundation. The Foundation supports more than 1,400 college students each year, with annual scholarships of $3.4 million through two nationally recognized programs.

Photo courtesy Waltham Public Schools