Five Roxbury Prep High School seniors earn full scholarships to college

BOSTON – Five Roxbury Prep High School students received the surprise of their lives: a full scholarship to college. They had earned Questbridge Scholarships, a national merit-based award that provides full access to some of the nation’s top academic institutions.

“I saw the confetti and I cried and screamed: Princeton University!” Farewell Doctrine Li said.

On Monday, the senior class took part in their graduation ceremony at the Strand Theater and are about to begin the next chapter in their young lives.

Principal Chelsea McWilliams said there is great joy and pride for both parents and teachers to see the students achieve this wonderful milestone.

“I am overjoyed. Every cheer, every tear, every scream was hard-earned. Many of our students are low-income, some single-parent families and many of our students are the first generation to attend college. Against all odds, they have just accomplished a lot,” McWilliams said.

‘It means I have a future ahead of me’

Li is headed to Princeton on a Questbridge Scholarship and dreams of becoming a surgeon.

“It’s worth about 348,000 euros. The day I found out, I cried hysterically. It means I have a future ahead of me. I don’t have to worry about debt,” Li said.

Miguel Gomez attends Vasser College.

“It’s almost 350,000 in scholarships for all four years. I want to study computer science and probably double major in economics,” Gomez said.

A total of 99 students graduated from Roxbury Prep High School today. School officials say more than 3.1 million in scholarships have been offered to these inspiring students as they look forward to their next chapter in life and making an impact in their communities.

Menwongba Dahn encouraged his classmates to be the best versions of themselves upon graduation. He attends Holy Cross, also on a Questbridge Scholarship.

“It meant a lot to my family. Relieving the financial burden of college would allow me to enjoy the college experience itself more. I hope to study engineering,” he said.

These students say the lessons they learned at Roxbury Prep will stay with them for a lifetime.

“My best self is when I give it my all and do my best every day to give my 100 percent,” Li said.