LEAD Academy Senior Earns Prestigious Scholarship to Duke University
LEAD Academy Senior Joseline Barragan earned a full, four-year scholarship to attend Duke University through the QuestBridge scholarship program. Joseline is one of only 1,674 students nationwide to match with a QuestBridge partner college.
QuestBridge is a non-profit organization that helps high-achieving, low-income students gain admission and scholarships to 45 of the country’s top-ranked colleges. QuestBridge partners with schools to identify and support students who otherwise may not apply to leading colleges. Ultimately, the college partners decide which students to admit, and they provide the scholarships.
“This scholarship is more like fate than a decision because we don’t choose the college we are matched to; they choose us,” said LEAD Academy senior Joseline Barragan. “My initial response was shock, but after settling back into reality, I knew Duke would be the right place for me. They will advise me on the capabilities my life could have by connecting me to a network of opportunities.”
Joseline credits LEAD for fostering both her growth and creativity up to this point. She is both nervous and excited to step into this new chapter of life, she admits.
“When I think about college, the thing I am most excited about is the freedom to expand beyond my horizons,” said Joseline. “The college setting will allow me to explore the depths of individualism. It is frightening to imagine myself all alone out there, but I believe I will be able to find a new version of myself that is independent of those around me.”
The LEAD family is incredibly proud of Joseline for her hard work and dedication to her school work the last four years.
“I know that Joseline will excel at Duke and take full advantage of this opportunity,” said LEAD Academy Principal Tony Majors. “There are so many factors that influence prestigious honors like this, but the character and commitment of the students is the most important.”
Mohraeil Rezk was also named a finalist, which is an honor in itself.
“I am so proud of Joseline and Mohraeil,” said Majors. “Their success can be attributed to many things, and I would be remiss if I did not congratulate the teachers and counselors who have invested so much in preparing these young ladies for success in college and in life.”
