As seniors come to the end of high school, their focus switches to college. The time for them to head off to college hasn’t arrived yet, but when they do, they may need to pay off some of the debt. A smart way for upcoming college freshmen to help cover the upcoming cost is to apply for and pursue scholarship opportunities.  Jake Evans has already figured that out.

Evans, a senior at Middletown High School, has become a recipient of two different scholarships, winning $22,000 in tuition for the 2015 Horatio Algers National Scholarship, and becoming a semifinalist for the Coca-Cola Scholars Program, possibly worth $20,000 in tuition. He has also been invited to a youth conference.

“I just found the scholarships on Google and there were teachers that had recommended these scholarships, too,” Evans said.

Stacy MacMillan, one of the teachers who recommended the scholarships to Evans, said, “Jacob is a student who has a passion for learning. He is a team player in the sense that he likes to problem solve issues with his peers.”

The Horatio Algers National Scholarships are for American students who are dedicated to the simple but powerful belief in work, and that honesty and determination can conquer all obstacles. This scholarship was created to help inspire individuals reach their highest potential, strengthening society as a whole.

Selected recipients are dedicated community leaders who demonstrate the ability to accomplish hardships through honesty, hard-work, self-reliance and perseverance over adversity.

The Youth Conference Evans will be attending in April 2015 is going to be held in Washington, D.C., at the DAR Constitution Hall. This trip is an all-expense paid trip, giving Evans the chance to stay at the Ritz Carlton Hotel for a night.

Evans will be meeting famous people, including Ben Carson, Herman Cain and James Earl Jones. He will also be talking about patriotic heritage and the American traditions of our country.

For Evans to become a recipient, he had to write an essay about someone who is a true American and is patriotic. The person that Evans decided to write about was Kansas Congressman Bob Dole.

“When the government was shut down and all the memorials were closed, veterans of World War II and from the Vietnam War couldn’t visit the monuments. So Congressman Bob Dole helped the veterans get through and he bypassed the security. I just thought that this was really courageous and very inspirational,” said Evans.

Kevin Lynott coached Evans MHS varsity football team.  Lynott said that Evans is a very diligent and hardworking student and he motivates other students. Lynott also said that Evans’s hard work and ability to follow through with these scholarships is what has gotten him noticed at the national level.

Along with winning the 2015 Horatio Algers National Scholarship, Evans will be interviewed for becoming a recipient.

“I have a lot of emotions because of that. I am excited, I’m nervous, I’m really anxious, but I just know that through it all it’s going to be an amazing experience,” said Evans.

Evans work has also helped him in becoming a semi-finalist in the Coca-Cola Scholars Program. He is currently waiting to hear back from the Coca-Cola Scholars Program about becoming the final recipient, and winning $20,000 in college tuition.

The Coca-Cola Scholars foundation has supported more than 1,400 college students each year, with annual scholarships of $3.4 million through two different scholarships. Those who are accepted excel academically and in service to others, along with having a passion for social justice and have the ability to overcome challenges to pursue their goals.

Those who are graduating high school and who apply for the Coca-Cola Scholars Program are recognized for their ability to lead and serve, making a significant impact on their school and community. Only 150 Coca-Cola Scholars are selected each year.

For Evans to be chosen as a recipient, he had to go through the regular application process and write eight 1,000-word essays, each being submitted for evaluation. The application deadline was Oct. 31, 2014.

While Evans has been working hard towards these two scholarships, he also had to decide the college he would like to attend, and his choice of major and minor.

“I would like to attend the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Terre Haute, Indiana. I plan to major in computer engineering and minor in optics,” said Evans.

Evans has decided to attend the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology because of how much his sister enjoyed her experience there.

Evans has a big and busy future ahead of him, and these two scholarships have made him made him stand out as a leader, and will help him pay off college debt in the coming times needed.