John F. Kennedy High School senior Makayla Bowman has been recognized as one of the nation’s top student leaders, earning a place among the 1,200 semifinalists in the 2026 Coca-Cola Scholars Program.
Bowman was selected from a pool of more than 107,000 applicants nationwide, placing her among the top 1 percent of high-achieving students being considered for one of the country’s most competitive and respected scholarship awards.
The Coca-Cola Scholars Program, established in 1986 by The Coca-Cola Foundation, awards 150 scholarships annually, each worth $20,000, to graduating high school seniors who demonstrate outstanding leadership, academic excellence, and a deep commitment to service. The program aims to empower young changemakers who are making a lasting positive impact in their schools and communities.
Over the next few months, semifinalists like Bowman will complete additional essays and interviews as part of the second round of the selection process. In late January, the program will announce its 150 Coca-Cola Scholars, who will join a network of more than 6,900 alumni across the country — a group that includes entrepreneurs, educators, public servants, and nonprofit leaders.
At Kennedy, Bowman stands out not only for her academic accomplishments but also for her dedication to leadership and service. She is an active member of the school’s Leadership Program and Drama Club, and serves as treasurer of her BBYO youth chapter, where she helps organize service projects and cultural programs.
If selected as a finalist, Bowman would represent the Bellmore-Merrick community on a national stage, joining a legacy of students recognized for their drive to create meaningful change.
