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

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.

To read the full press release, click here.