William Bowen of Bainbridge, a Bainbridge High School graduate and son of Ms. Lajean Bowen, was one of 12 University of Georgia first-year students to be awarded Coca-Cola First Generation Scholarships for the 2009-2010 academic year. This scholarship, funded by the Coca-Cola Foundation since 2007, supports academically outstanding students who are the first in their families to attend college. Recipients must demonstrate financial need to be eligible. Recipients receive $5,000 per year in addition to the state-supported HOPE Scholarship. The Coca-Cola award is renewable for another three years of undergraduate study if recipients maintain certain academic credentials.