On Jan. 8th, it was announced that four students in CCHS class of 2023 won full-ride scholarships to highly-ranking universities, where they will be supported throughout their college education. These scholars (Zoe Lago, Taniah Orr, Diana Chavez, and Gavin Rizzo) were chosen to win the Posse scholarship for their experience as role models on campus, along with their unique passions and inspiring ambition.

The Posse Foundation is an organization that aims to amplify the voices of students with talent, passion, and leadership skills. It is their goal to represent our nation’s diversity and support students from multicultural backgrounds. The program recognizes potential in high school students and provides the resources and tools necessary to succeed throughout college and university. “With mentoring and full-tuition leadership scholarships, Posse scholars graduate at a rate of 90%,” states the Posse website. 

Since it provides such amazing opportunities to students nationwide, and there are many worthy candidates, the application process is challenging. First, students must be nominated by a teacher. Then, they will attend a three-hour-long interview with about 100 other students, have discussions in breakout groups, and write a short essay. At this point, if they are selected to move forward, they will attend a second interview with two Posse representatives and will be asked to rank their top three schools of choice. Next, about 20 finalists will move on to a final press conference where they will come up with solutions to problems that might occur on campus. Throughout the entire process, Posse focuses on the leadership abilities of each candidate. 

Gavin Rizzo will be attending Hobart and William Smith Colleges in Geneva, New York. 

Zoe Lago will be majoring in community and environmental science at UW Madison in Madison, Wisconsin. During her interview, she focused on her experience as a math Chiron, as well as a member of PBIS and dance. “It feels pretty wild being a Posse scholar,” said Lago. “I think that anyone who is nominated for Posse should give it a shot!”

Taniah Orr will be majoring in psychology at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California. She showed her talent and passion as president of AVPA Dance and BSU (Black Student Union). “I would recommend this scholarship to those nominated. I would also recommend researching the process and time commitment involved,” said Orr. “You are as good as anyone in that room. Take advantage of this opportunity!”

Diana Chavez will be majoring in political science at Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana. As the mental wellness and peer outreach coordinator in ASB, she plans events such as blood drives, assemblies, and the wheelchair basketball game. “I’d say to anyone who gets nominated just to do it, try it! It will be worth it whether you win or not,” Chavez said. “Knowing that there are so many leaders in our generation willing to stand up and advocate for change makes me hopeful and inspires me to keep going.”