Burnsville High School senior named a Coca-Cola Scholars semifinalist

Burnsville High School senior Alexis Bunnell has been selected as a semifinalist in the 2020-21 Coca-Cola Scholars Program. 

Alexis was one of only 1,609 high school seniors selected as semifinalists from a pool of 99,403 submitted applications from across the country based on their academic excellence, leadership and service demonstrated in school and community activities. 

She will also be in the running for a chance at one of 150 college scholarships worth $20,000, which will be announced in March. In addition to receiving college scholarships, Alexis will be a part of a group that, through networking, collaborations and friendships, will strive to make a greater impact in the community.

As a junior, Alexis received a Junior Book Award from Columbia University, which is presented to 11th grade students in recognition of their outstanding academic accomplishments, dedication to learning, leadership, school involvement and community service.

She also was selected as a Minnesota Aspirations in Computing (MNAiC) State Winner and named one of just 25 winners of the Target Women in Science and Technology (TWIST) EPIC Awards. The awards recognize and honor high school girls from the Twin Cities for their dedication to STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) and for demonstrating engagement, passion, innovation, and curiosity within these fields.

As a sophomore, Alexis earned the Aspirations in Computing Award: Rising Star distinction from the Minnesota State IT Center of Excellence and advanced to the state science fair with her project. 

Alexis is Vice President of National Honor Society and on the leadership teams for student council, Youth Service Advisory and BurnsvilleStrong. She is also a part of the high school's Math League and Link Crew. Additionally, she is the placeholder and defensive linewoman for the Blaze football team, for which she recently gained attention from local media outlets.

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Alexis has been accepted into the honors program at the University of Minnesota, where she plans to attend next fall and study neuroscience.

The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation celebrates and empowers visionary leaders who are refreshing the world. With its 31st class of Coca-Cola Scholars, the Foundation has provided more than $69 million in scholarships to over 6,150 program alumni who together have become a powerful force for positive change. Learn more at www.coca-colascholars.org.