Alumni Accolades September 2015

In November of 2014, 2002 Scholar Elise Stefanik became the youngest woman ever elected to Congress when she was voted to represent New York’s 21^st district in the U.S. House of Representatives at just 30 years old. Elise was tapped to chair the House Republican Policy Committee’s new Millennial Task Force to tackle issues facing her generation, and some GOP leaders are calling her the future of the party. Read a fantastic Q&A with her on Coca-Cola Journey, including her advice for the newest class of Coca-Cola Scholars.

“One of the lessons I’ve learned is that you should embrace what makes you unique. When I first started running for office, I was told I had to sound and act like a typical Congressional candidate who’s double my age and represents a certain demographic. That turned out to be bad advice, so I didn’t take it. I owned the fact that I was a young female candidate who was different and had a different perspective – and that ended up being a strength in the campaign.” said Elise.

Samantha Smith (2015) is a recipient of the LPGA tour’s Marilynn Smith Scholarship. Each year, 25 high school seniors who will play collegiate golf while pursuing college degrees are selected based on outstanding academic excellence, leadership skills and active involvement and service to her community. Each recipient receives $5,000 in scholarships.

Steven Olikara (2008) wrote an op-ed for CNN.com encouraging young leaders to reinvent our government and politics.