GSSM Student Among Nation’s Top 150 Coca-Cola Scholars

HARTSVILLE, S.C. (May 12, 2025) — The South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics (GSSM) celebrates Navneeth Nalajala, a member of the Class of 2025 from Fort Mill, for being named a 2025 Coca-Cola Scholar, one of only 150 high school seniors nationwide selected from over 105,000 applicants. Less than 1/6th of 1% of applicants were chosen to receive this extremely competitive award. He is the only scholar from South Carolina. The Coca-Cola Scholars Program honors students who exemplify leadership, service, and academic excellence with a $20,000 college scholarship.  

Nav’s dedication to service and leadership is reflected through his work in Scouting, EMS volunteering, and community support initiatives. As the Palmetto Council of South Carolina’s Boy Scout of the Year and a troop leader, he has mentored more than 50 Scouts, guiding them through high-adventure expeditions and leadership development. He also serves as the Student Council President at GSSM, serving his peers and ensuring their opinions are heard. In addition, he founded a lawn care service, donating all proceeds to a local home for teens, and played a pivotal role in expanding the Fort Mill EMS Cadet Program from two to more than 25 volunteers. In addition to his leadership efforts, Nav actively volunteers in EMS response and in the pediatric emergency room, with aspirations of pursuing a career in medicine.

Beyond academics and service, Nav is a talented photographer whose work has been featured widely on GSSM’s social media platforms. As a Student Ambassador, he also plays an important role in welcoming prospective students and sharing the GSSM experience with families across South Carolina.

“For the first time in three years, the state of South Carolina is celebrating a Coca-Cola Scholar, and we are thrilled that it is one of our own,” said Danny Dorsel, president of GSSM. “Nav embodies the spirit of GSSM, combining academic excellence with a deep commitment to community service. His achievements reflect the values we work to instill in all our students, and we couldn’t be prouder to see him bring this prestigious honor back home.”

Nav joins a network of over 7,000 Coke scholar alumni dedicated to leadership, service, and impact. With the addition of the 2025 class, the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation will have provided more than $87 million in scholarships over the course of 37 years.  

“We believe that identifying these young leaders throughout the country and encouraging their passion for serving others not only empowers the students but also lifts up those around them.” said Jane Hale Hopkins, president of the Foundation. “The Coca-Cola system is dedicated to giving back to the communities they serve, and the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation is proud to be a part of that commitment.”

For more information about the Coca-Cola Scholars Program, visit www.coca-colascholarsfoundation.org. For more information about GSSM, visit www.scgssm.org.