Schuylerville High School senior Derek Willson has been recognized as one of the country’s most outstanding high school leaders by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation and has been awarded a $20,000 college scholarship. Willson received an email from the Coca-Cola Foundation Tuesday, Feb. 27 informing him that he is one of 150 recipients of the scholarship.

Willson was selected from a pool of nearly 150,000 initial applicants from across the country based on his academic excellence, leadership and service demonstrated in school and community activities.

On April 19, Willson will join other Coca-Cola Scholars as they travel to Atlanta for Scholars Weekend. During the four-day event, the Scholars will participate in a Leadership Development Institute to further develop their leadership skills, tour local landmarks, network with former Coca-Cola Scholars and participate in a group community service project. They will also be honored at the Coca-Cola Scholars Banquet at the Georgia International Convention Center, where they will receive their awards.