LOUISVILLE, Ky. — It was an exciting day for four JCPS high school seniors as they found out they were recipients of more than $80,000 in scholarship money. Superintendent Dr. Marty Pollio visited each of the students at their homes, surprising them with the good news and a check.
"I'm so proud of these students for overcoming incredible obstacles while maintaining their focus on education and making a difference in the world," Dr. Pollio said. "Their message and stories of inspiration are exactly why we started the scholarship fund."
Two years ago, Dr. Pollio started the JCPS Employee-Sponsored Student Scholarship Fund which is made possible through donations from JCPS employees and the State of the District Address Luncheon. So far, a total of $131,000 has already been awarded.
The recipients were selected from more than 130 applicants. Finalists wrote personal statements, prepared presentations on their plans and financial needs, and participated in interviews with administrators.
"We really wanted this scholarship to be impactful, and ensure that these dollars didn't just help start them on their path but would help them secure their degree," Dr. Pollio added. "For that reason, the scholarships aren't a one-size-fits-all award. The amount of funding was really personalized to reflect their specific circumstances, and is catered to their individual stories and needs."
About the scholarship recipients:
• Deja Andrews | Seneca High School - received a total of $30,000. Deja plans to major in biology at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, where she'll be attending while living with and caring for her grandmother, who helped raise her.
• Gobinda Bastola | Fern Creek High School -received a total of $20,000. Gobinda, who grew up in a refugee camp in Nepal, will attend the University of Louisville majoring in computer science. He hopes to create an app to help other teenagers find information on and access to colleges and scholarships.
• Zoe Clemmons | duPont Manual High School - received a total of $24,800. Diagnosed with muscular dystrophy as a child and now mobile with a wheelchair, Zoe has overcome physical and other barriers in her life while excelling in school. She will attend the University of Louisville majoring in nursing to give back to the profession that supported her throughout her life.
• Saeedatu Nasara Shamsudeen | Central High School Magnet Career Academy - received a total of $6,000. Nasara plans to attend the University of Louisville majoring in public health with a pre-med track. The Central High School senior was born in West Africa, Ghana, and was separated from her parents for six years until she came to the U.S. She graduates as class salutatorian.
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