Kareema S. Griest, of Littlestown, and Gena Richardson, Spring Grove, were among 400 community college students nationally to each earn a $1000 scholarship from the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation. They both attend the Gettysburg Campus of HACC, Central Pennsylvania's Community College, and were awarded the scholarship based on their academic success and community service.

Griest works as a peer tutor for math and in the library at HACC's Gettysburg Campus and serves as the secretary for student government. She serves on the board of directors for Survivors, Inc., a nonprofit organization that assists victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Her work involves organizing two days of Domestic Violence Awareness Seminars which are presented at the Gettysburg Campus. Griest herself is a survivor of domestic violence and sexual assault and plans to continue her education to become an advocate and drama therapist for other victims.

Richardson is attending the Gettysburg Campus full time, working toward her childhood dream of becoming a nurse. She ultimately plans to study for her bachelor's and master's degrees in nursing and teach future nurses. In the meantime, Richardson owns and operates her own beauty salon in her home where she can schedule her clients around her academic schedule.

For the last 10 years Richardson has helped collect household goods, clothing and food through a program at the Calvary Assembly of God Church of Hanover, and sending them to where they are needed after a natural disaster. Some of the truckloads are sent overseas to help those in need. Four tractor trailer loads were sent to Hurricane Katrina victims in the last year.

The Coca-Cola Two-Year Colleges Scholarship Program is made possible with funding from the Joseph B. Whitehead Foundation. The Whitehead Foundation provides grants in support of human services initiatives. The late Joseph B. Whitehead was one of the original bottlers of Coca-Cola.

"The Coca-Cola Two-Year Colleges Scholarship Program gives support and encouragement to an under-served population of college students," said J. Mark Davis, president of the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation. "This program is an extension of our long-standing commitment to college education throughout the United States. These fine students, who often juggle school, work and family, continue to give back to their community through volunteer service."

The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation is supported by the financial commitment of the Coca-Cola Company.