Four Eighth-Grade Students Awarded $5,000 College Scholarships in Surprise Celebrations
National Heritage Academies' students receive annual CollegeBound™ Scholarship, given to only four students across the country
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., June 11, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- To mark the end of what turned out to be an untraditional school year, four students from across the country are sharing in the same joy after each being named a 2020 CollegeBound™ Scholarship recipient.
The four eighth-grade students, attending four different National Heritage Academies (NHA) schools from Michigan and North Carolina, were selected out of hundreds of applicants to receive the organization's annual CollegeBound™ Scholarship, a one-time $5,000 scholarship to go towards their college education.
This year's winning students are:
– Spencer Wingate, Peak Charter Academy
– Anthony Byrd, Queen's Grant Community School
– Kenyae Brown, River City Scholars Charter Academy
– Alondra Pedroza, Walton Charter Academy
"It is my pleasure to recognize each of these outstanding students as recipients of the 2020 CollegeBound™ Scholarship," said NHA CEO Brian Britton. "Each winner is an excellent example of what we hope for all NHA students. With strong academics, commendable character, and a passion for giving back to their communities, I wish them all the best of luck in their upcoming ventures."
This year's celebrations included socially-distanced drive-by parades, announcing the news and providing a giant three-foot check to each student, and honorary recognition at the students' virtual eighth-grade graduation ceremonies with a special video from the CollegeBound™ Scholarship Committee.
Students from 89 schools applied for the scholarship. To be considered, academic performance, community involvement, and a written essay are taken into account by an independent professional selection group, which selects the final winners.
Each applicant was required to write an essay on one of four topics related to the school's Moral Focus curriculum, which teaches students to be well-rounded individuals by highlighting monthly virtues such as gratitude and encouragement.
The majority of CollegeBound™ Scholarship funds come directly from NHA employee donations. Many NHA employees see the scholarship fund as an opportunity to further support students and help them on the path toward college.
Photos from the celebrations are available here.
About National Heritage Academies:
National Heritage Academies is a network of 89 tuition-free, public charter schools across nine states, serving more than 60,000 students in kindergarten through eighth-grade. For more information, visit nhaschools.com.
SOURCE National Heritage Academies
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