Coeur d'Alene High School senior a Coca-Cola Scholar Semifinalist

A Coeur d'Alene High School senior is a 2025 Coca-Cola Scholar semifinalist.

Kyle Rohlinger, 17, of Coeur d'Alene, is part of the 1% of semifinalists chosen from more than 105,000 completed applications.

He was selected for his outstanding community and school leadership, involvement, academics and service. He currently ranks third in his class and holds a weighted 4.363 GPA. He is in several advanced courses, including French, calculus BC, chemistry, U.S. government and literature.

“I have a lot of support from everyone around me," Kyle said Thursday. "I have a lot of support from my school, my teachers, my friends, teammates, parents, everyone. All the positive energy has helped me be motivated to do all the things that I do."

Kyle is also accomplished in karate, track and cross country. He founded a Shoes to Share shoe drive, through which he collects shoes for families in Guatemala and for the local Boys and Girls Clubs. He writes birthday cards for residents of senior living facilities through his Letters for the Elderly campaign. He helps elementary school teachers with art projects and he volunteers to sort books for young kids during the holidays.

He's not sure where he will go to college, but he has been applying to several schools and said he is leaning toward business or architecture for a major.

"He’s an accomplished 17-year-old, for sure," his mom, Linda Rohlinger, said. "But honestly, the element I’m most proud of is his kind heart. He has such a sentimental, compassionate side, and he’s ridiculously easy-going."

Kyle is one of only seven Idaho students to attain semifinalist status. Applications are being reviewed by the Coca-Cola Scholar Program Reading Committee. After the review, 250 students will advance as regional finalists. Only 150 will become Coca-Cola Scholars, who will receive $20,000 college scholarships. 

Kyle said he was surprised when he received the semifinalist news Oct. 7.

"I was super excited when I found out," he said, adding it's a great honor, especially knowing how many other students apply.

"I was really hoping for the best when I submitted my application and it worked out," Kyle said.

He is expecting to know in January if he is a finalist. Coca-Cola Scholar winners are expected to be announced in March.