Orangeburg County School District (OCSD) proudly announces that Sarai Dwight has been named a semifinalist in the highly competitive 2025–2026 Coca-Cola Scholars Program.

Out of more than 107,000 applicants nationwide, only 1,237 students were selected as semifinalists this year. Sarai, the Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School senior, earned this distinction through her exceptional leadership, academic excellence, and commitment to community service.

As a semifinalist, Sarai will now advance to the next stage of the selection process. She is currently completing a detailed application that includes essays, transcripts, recommendations, and information highlighting her school, volunteer, and work experiences. The ‘Phase 2’ applications will be reviewed by an independent committee, which will name 250 Regional Finalists in early January 2026.

From there, 150 students will be selected as Coca-Cola Scholars and will attend the Coca-Cola Scholars Weekend in Atlanta, Georgia, April 23-26, 2026. Each Coca-Cola Scholar will receive a $20,000 college scholarship and join a lifelong network of more than 7,200 alumni committed to leadership, service, and making a positive impact in their communities.

“Sarai is a stellar student whose tenacity and drive truly embody what it means to be a Mighty Bruin,” said Dr. Patricia Goldsmith, principal of Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School.

The Coca-Cola Scholars Program, a joint effort of Coca-Cola bottlers across the country and the Coca-Cola Company, is the largest corporate-sponsored, achievement-based scholarship program in the United States. Since its inception in 1986, the Foundation has awarded more than $90 million in scholarships to outstanding students nationwide.

“We are incredibly proud of Sarai and all that she has accomplished,” said Dr. Shawn D. Foster, superintendent of Orangeburg County School District. “Her dedication to excellence in academics and service truly represents the spirit of our school and community. This honor is a testament to her hard work and leadership.”

The entire Orangeburg County School District community congratulates Sarai on this remarkable achievement and wishes her continued success as she advances in the Coca-Cola Scholars selection process.

For additional information, please contact Taylor R. Johnson, Communications and Multi-Media Specialist, at taylor.johnson@ocsdsc.org or 839-253-2070.