SAN ANTONIO — Ricardo Corona, a Judson High School senior, has demonstrated the academic excellence, school leadership and community involvement to earn a finalist spot in the 20th class of the Coca-Cola Scholars program.

Corona was selected as a finalist from a field of 2,000 semifinalists by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation and will start college next fall with the help of the San Antonio Coca-Cola Bottling Company and The Coca-Cola Company. The scholars foundation will have provided more than 4,000 young scholars nationwide with more than $35 million since it’s inception.

Corona is one of 250 seniors selected nationwide to compete for a cash scholarship. On April 24, Corona will join other finalists as they travel to Atlanta, the headquarters for the Coca-Cola Company, for the Scholars Weekend, to compete for 50 four-year college scholarships of $20,000 and 200 four-year scholarships of $10,000.

Over the four-day weekend, the finalists will interview with a national selection committee, tour the city, meet with former Coca-Cola Scholars and participate in a range of activities including a community service project. Additionally, the 2008 Coca-Cola scholars will be recognized at a banquet hosted by the Coca-Cola system, educators, local dignitaries and friends of the Scholars Foundation.

“Only 250 students in the country are selected as a finalist in the Coca-Cola Scholars Program, and San Antonio Coca-Cola is delighted to contribute to the future of a bright and deserving local student,” said Martin Arguello, sales center manager for San Antonio Coca-Cola Bottling Company.

“With Coke’s contribution, Ricardo’s achievements in school and the San Antonio community will continue to serve him well in college and in life.”