NEVIS, Minn. (KWAD) — Adeline Bjorklund, a senior at Nevis High School, has been named a semifinalist in the 2026 Coca-Cola Scholars Program, one of the most prestigious scholarship honors in the nation.

Bjorklund was selected from a staggering 107,000 applicants nationwide, with only 1,238 students advancing to the semifinalist round — an acceptance rate of just 1.12%. She is one of only 24 students in Minnesota to reach this level of recognition.

Other area semifinalists include Ava Cucich of Lake Park-Audubon and Hannah Barberg of Detroit Lakes, each recognized for their exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and community service.

The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation celebrates students who exemplify leadership, service, and a dedication to making a positive impact in their schools and communities. The program, a joint effort between The Coca-Cola Company and Coca-Cola bottlers nationwide, is the largest corporate-sponsored, achievement-based scholarship program in the United States. Since 1986, it has awarded more than $90 million in scholarships to over 7,200 scholars across the country.

Semifinalists like Bjorklund are now advancing to Phase 2, where they’ll submit essays, academic transcripts, and recommendations. An independent selection committee will review the submissions and name 250 regional finalists in early January.

From there, 150 finalists will be chosen in late February to attend Coca-Cola Scholars Weekend in Atlanta, where they’ll participate in the Coca-Cola Scholars Leadership Development Institute and be honored at the 38th annual Coca-Cola Scholars Banquet. Each selected scholar will receive a $20,000 college scholarship and join a lifelong network of Coca-Cola Scholar alumni—a community of changemakers dedicated to leadership and service.

Learn more about the program and view the full list of semifinalists at www.coca-colascholarsfoundation.org.