A local teen is Coca-Cola Scholar semifinalist.

Kenzie Hinson, the owner of the Make A Difference Food Pantry in Mount Olive, is one of 1,609 students selected out of nearly 100,000 applicants from across the country in the annual program.

Hinson and the other candidates are currently submitting applications to be reviewed by the Program Reading Committee.

She will also be invited to take part in a virtual interview with the Regional Interview Committee.

After these reviews, 250 will advance as Regional Finalists, with 150 becoming Coca-Cola Scholars and receiving a $20,000 college scholarship.