HENRY COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Susan Burton, Communications Director
Paris, TN – Ali Ridgeway, a senior at Henry County High School, has been named a Semifinalist for the 2026 class of the Coca-Cola Scholars Program.
Only 1,238 high school seniors were selected as Semifinalists from a pool of over 107,000 submitted applications from across the country based on their academic excellence, leadership, and service demonstrated in school and community activities. The Semifinalists are in the running for 150 college scholarships worth $20,000.
"I have two more essays to write but look forward to the competition process." says Ridgeway. " I'll be majoring in Sports Management at the University of Alabama next year and am excited to be one of the 19 Tennessee semifinalists this year."
Ridgeway, who is the daughter of Brad and Angie Ridgeway of Paris, will be moving to the next round of the selection process to become a Coca-Cola Scholar and receive a $20,000 college scholarship. Semifinalists are now asked to complete Phase 2 applications, which include essays, a recommendation, and a transcript. An independent selection committee will review the applications and recommend 250 Regional Finalists in early January to take part in online interviews. 150 of the Regional Finalists will be named as Coke Scholars-select in late February and attend Coca-Cola Scholars Weekend in Atlanta, Georgia, April 23-26, 2026, where they will be the guests of honor at the 38th annual Coca-Cola Scholars Banquet and participate in the Coca-Cola Scholars Leadership Development Institute facilitated by program alumni. Upon completion of Scholars Weekend in Atlanta, they will be named official Coca-Cola Scholars and receive a $20,000 college scholarship