Natchez High Senior April Patton is one of a select group of students across the country. Following a nationwide application process, Patton was selected as one of 1,965 semifinalists in the 1999-2000 Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation.

More than 117,000 students applied for the scholarship.

&uot;I didn’t think out of all (117,000) people I would be picked,&uot; Patton said. &uot;That’s a lot of people.&uot;

Coca-Cola selects students based on GPA and their involvement in the community.

Patton also submitted an essay about the homeless problem as part of her application.

&uot;If I have 10,000 Aprils I’d be in heaven,&uot; said Natchez High Principal Brenda Williams. &uot;April is a wonderful student.&uot;

Patton has volunteered at many organizations including the Natchez Children’s Home, the Guardian Shelter, the Sunshine Shelter, Glenburnie Nursing Home and the Salvation Army. She is a member of the National Honor Society, the Key Club, the Beta Club, Student Council and the Lady Blues.

She also was one of two students to receive this year’s Youth Award from the Natchez Business and Civic League. That award is given to two black teenagers who are involved in the community and are a role model for their peers.

Patton is the daughter of Sandra and Ed Patton.