Matthew Bartel ‘27 Named Coca-Cola Scholars Semifinalist | Gulliver Prep
For Gulliver Preparatory School senior Matthew Bartel ‘27, success has never been limited to the classroom. From using poetry to inspire young voices to leading humanitarian efforts that reach communities around the world, Matthew has built a remarkable record of academic achievement and service. Now, his commitment to making a difference has earned him national recognition as a 2027 Coca-Cola Scholars Program Semifinalist.
Selected from more than 113,000 applicants nationwide, Matthew is among just 1,227 high school seniors to advance in the prestigious scholarship program, representing approximately 1% of applicants. The Coca-Cola Scholars Program recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional leadership and a commitment to creating positive change in their schools and communities.
For Matthew, this latest distinction adds to an already impressive journey at Gulliver, where his curiosity and drive have led him to pursue opportunities across a wide range of interests.
Earlier this year, Matthew received the 2026 Gail Serota ‘75 Service Award from the Princeton Club of South Florida, recognizing his dedication to civic service and student-led impact. At just 14 years old, he founded Our World of Hope, Inc., a nonprofit organization established in response to the war in Ukraine. Since its founding, the organization has expanded its reach to more than 27,000 young people across six countries through initiatives connected to Save the Children, UNICEF, and SaveUkraine.
His commitment to service extends into environmental health research, where he has investigated air quality conditions at Miami International Airport, helping raise awareness of concerns affecting airport workers and travelers. Within the Gulliver community, Matthew is also involved in the Academic Honor Council, Student Ambassadors program, and Dish Out Kindness.
Beyond his service work, Matthew has distinguished himself as a creative voice. In 2025, he was named Florida Youth Poet Laureate, selected from nearly 1,500 applicants statewide. He also serves as a National Youth Poet Laureate Ambassador, using writing to encourage young people to share their perspectives and engage with the world around them. An accomplished songwriter and guitarist, Matthew performs with local bands, bringing his passion for storytelling to both the page and the stage.
His academic achievements are equally noteworthy. In September, Matthew was named one of eight Gulliver seniors recognized as 2027 National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists, placing him among the nation’s highest-scoring students in the scholarship competition.
Taken together, these accomplishments tell a story that goes beyond individual awards. Matthew’s interests may span different disciplines, but they share a common thread: a desire to turn what he learns and creates into something meaningful for others. As a Gulliver lifer, his journey reflects the breadth of opportunity that allows students to discover their interests, challenge themselves, and pursue success on their own terms.
As Matthew advances in the Coca-Cola Scholars Program, he joins a select group of students being considered for one of 150 scholarships worth $20,000 each. The next phase will identify 250 finalists in early January 2027.
Please join us in congratulating Matthew on this outstanding achievement and celebrating the many ways he continues to make an impact at Gulliver and beyond.
