First Class: Honoring first-generation college students
The Coloradoan’s inaugural First Class scholarship program, in partnership with University of Northern Colorado, honors 12 exemplary first-generation students in Northern Colorado.
First Class is an evolution of the Coloradoan’s Leadership and Academic All-Stars program, which honored exemplary high school students for 19 years. First Class Scholars receive free mentorship and college planning from University of Northern Colorado, a $915 scholarship from the Coloradoan and an additional $1,085 from University of Northern Colorado if they choose to attend the Greeley school.
You can boost their scholarships by donating to the First Class GoFundMe campaign, www.gofundme.com/firstclassscholars. All funds will be shared equally among First Class Scholars.
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This year’s First Class Scholars are:
- Andrea Arriaza, Rocky Mountain High School
- Brianne Silhasek, Poudre High School
- Gianna Johnson, Windsor High School
- Guy Seguele, Poudre High School
- Stephanie Muchow, Rocky Mountain High School
- Kayla Brookhart, Poudre High School
- Mackenzie Eldred, Poudre High School
- Olinda Moro Lopez, Rocky Mountain High School
- Prestyn Martin, Fossil Ridge High School
- Renee Lopez, Rocky Mountain High School
- Samantha Newberry, Rocky Mountain High School
- Victoria Centeno, Poudre High School
Two winners will be featured in the Coloradoan and www.coloradoan.com each week leading up to a Nov. 5 ceremony honoring their accomplishments.
COLUMN: Help first-gen students go to college
First Class Scholars were selected by a panel of community judges based on personal statements, letters of recommendation and other achievements. All winners had to meet a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 to qualify for scholarship funds. All winners will be first-generation college students, meaning their parents or grandparents have not graduated from a two- or four-year post-secondary college or university.
Note: An initial version of this story incorrectly stated Mackenzie Eldred's high school. She is a Poudre High School senior.