BASIS Charter Schools is proud to announce that senior Andrew R. from BASIS Peoria has been named a 2026 Coca-Cola Scholar, one of just 150 students nationwide selected for this honor. As a Coca-Cola Scholar, Andrew will receive a $20,000 college scholarship in recognition of his exceptional leadership, academic excellence, and commitment to service.
Andrew was selected from a highly competitive pool of more than 107,000 applicants across the United States. Fewer than one-seventh of one percent of applicants are chosen each year, placing Andrew among the nation’s most accomplished high school seniors.
The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation will award $3.1 million in scholarships to the Class of 2026. In addition to the scholarship award, scholars join a distinguished alumni network of more than 7,200 leaders who are driving positive change in their communities and around the world.
Andrew will be honored during Coca-Cola Scholars Weekend in Atlanta from April 23–26, 2026, where he will attend the Coca-Cola Scholars Banquet and participate in the Leadership Development Institute, facilitated by program alumni. Scholars also gain access to long-term mentorship, professional development opportunities, and national service initiatives.
“Award recipients like Andrew exemplify what it means to pair academic rigor with purpose,” said BASIS Peoria Head of School Leslee Briggs. “This recognition reflects Andrew’s impressive school accomplishments, but also his dedication to leadership and service beyond the classroom.”
A joint initiative of Coca-Cola bottlers nationwide and The Coca-Cola Company, the Coca-Cola Scholars Program is the largest corporate-sponsored, achievement-based scholarship program in the United States. Since its founding in 1986, the foundation has awarded more than $90 million in scholarships over 40 years of impact.
In addition to Andrew’s selection as a Coca-Cola Scholar, BASIS Charter Schools is proud to note that four more Arizona students were named semifinalists – including Timothy S. (BASIS Ahwatukee), Nihar G. (BASIS Oro Valley), Celine D. and Ayush S. (BASIS Scottsdale).
