Three Pine Crest School seniors achieve national recognition as semifinalists in the 2026 Coca-Cola Scholars Program

Pine Crest, Florida – Three Pine Crest Upper School seniors are celebrating a significant academic milestone after being selected as semifinalists for the 2026 Coca-Cola Scholars Program. Dashiel Berk ’26, Lucia Lecour ’26, and Jessica Schmilovich ’26 earned the distinction from among more than 107,000 applicants nationwide, marking a remarkable achievement for the Pine Crest community.

The Coca-Cola Scholars Program is the largest corporate-sponsored, achievement-based scholarship program in the United States. It recognizes students not only for their academic excellence but also for their leadership and commitment to service in their schools and communities. Selection as a semifinalist reflects a combination of these qualities and positions students for potential national recognition and financial support for their higher education.

Dashiel, Lucia, and Jessica were chosen as three of 1,238 semifinalists across the country, all vying for a spot among the 250 Regional Finalists who will continue in the rigorous selection process. Semifinalists must now submit detailed applications highlighting their achievements, leadership experiences, and contributions to their communities. These submissions will be carefully reviewed by an independent selection committee in the coming months.

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The program’s next stage will culminate in online interviews for 250 Regional Finalists at the end of January. Following these interviews, 150 Coca-Cola Scholars will be selected in March to receive a $20,000 college scholarship. Scholars will also have the opportunity to participate in the Coca-Cola Scholars Leadership Development Institute, a program designed to foster leadership skills and connect students with a network of program alumni who have gone on to make significant impacts in various fields.

“Congratulations, and best of luck, Dashiel, Lucia and Jessica!” said a spokesperson from Pine Crest School. The recognition not only honors the students’ individual accomplishments but also highlights the school’s ongoing commitment to fostering academic excellence and leadership development.

For students like Dashiel, Lucia, and Jessica, this milestone represents both a personal achievement and a stepping stone toward future opportunities. Beyond the scholarship itself, the program encourages scholars to develop their leadership potential, engage with their communities, and connect with peers who share a dedication to making a positive difference in the world.

Being named a Coca-Cola Scholars Program semifinalist is a rare honor, reflecting the hard work, determination, and character of the students. It is a testament to the dedication of Pine Crest faculty and staff, who support and mentor students through challenging academic and extracurricular endeavors.

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As the semifinalists prepare their applications for the next stage, Dashiel, Lucia, and Jessica stand poised to represent Pine Crest on a national stage. Whether they advance to the Regional Finalist round or ultimately become Coca-Cola Scholars, their achievements already underscore the value of perseverance, leadership, and service in shaping future success.

For more information about the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation and the selection process, interested parties can visit the foundation’s official website.

This recognition is a proud moment for Pine Crest School and a reminder of the extraordinary potential of its students to impact their communities and beyond.