COCO Vita Coco Company Inc

Today Corinthian Colleges, parent company of Everest College Phoenix, announced Jared Foster as the company's 2011 National Dream Award winner. The award recognizes graduates who have overcome extraordinary obstacles to complete their post-secondary education and find success in their chosen fields. Foster was selected from more than 100 campus winners and awarded a full scholarship to continue his education at Everest.

Foster is incredibly driven and intensely motivated – qualities that shine through in every aspect of his life. He always dreamed of being a Marine and graduated from high school early to enlist. Proud to serve his country, Foster volunteered to go to Iraq four times. In February 2005 he was assigned to a personal security detachment in Fallujah. As a corporal, his mission was to protect high-ranking officials from such dangers as roadside bombs, rocket-propelled grenades and small arms fire.

On March 24, 2005, Foster's life would change forever. Coming off of night patrol, Foster was struck in the back, at close range, by a 50-caliber rifle bullet. "The bullet went right through me, from my back to my stomach. They found the round more than a mile down the road in a dirt berm," said Foster.

Foster wasn't expected to live. However, after months in a medical-induced coma, he beat the odds and awoke to a harsh new reality. He was told he wouldn't walk again, and for Foster that news was simply unacceptable.

"It has been a long process. I can't even count the number of injuries I suffered and I have had more surgeries than I can keep track of – at least 45. I will continue to have challenges for the rest of my life, and I do my best to face each of them head on," said Foster. "I survived, I am walking and trying to live a normal life."

For Foster, part of living a normal life meant fulfilling another dream – earning his college degree. In August 2008, after three long years of surgeries and recoveries, Foster enrolled in the business program at Everest College Phoenix in Mesa, Ariz.

"Jared's perseverance and ability to overcome enormous obstacles make him a true hero and an incredible inspiration to all of us," said Mary Ritter, president of Everest College Phoenix's Mesa campus. "Our small classes and hands-on learning approach were really a great fit for Jared. Despite his challenges he found a way to stay focused and exceed his goals. We are all so proud of him and wish him continued success."

Foster earned his associate degree in business in July 2010. After all he had been through, walking at his college graduation was truly an incredible moment made even more special when, in front of the entire audience, Foster knelt down on the stage and asked fellow Everest College Phoenix graduate, Michelle Ranalli, to marry him. Foster now runs his own successful pet grooming business and continues to live in the Mesa area. He plans to pursue a bachelor's degree in business administration.

About Everest College Phoenix:

Everest College Phoenix offers career-oriented diploma, associate, and bachelor's degree programs in such fields as medical assisting, medical insurance billing and coding, accounting, business, criminal justice and paralegal at campuses located at 10400 N. 25th Ave. in Phoenix and 5416 E. Baseline Road in Mesa, Ariz., and through its online division in Tempe, Ariz.. For more information, visit www.everestcollegephoenix.edu. For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit our website at www.everestcollegephoenix.edu/disclosures.

CONTACT: Tammy Stratton
         The Bawmann Group (for Everest College Phoenix)
         303-320-7790, tammy@morethanpr.com