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Considerable cloudiness. Occasional rain showers this afternoon. High 47F. Winds ENE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%..
Rain. Low 44F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall around a half an inch.
Updated: December 27, 2024 @ 8:25 am
KIMBERLY MADRID-RAMIREZ
KIMBERLY MADRID-RAMIREZ
Kimberly Madrid-Ramirez, a Banks County High School senior, was selected as a QuestBridge Finalist and received a full-ride scholarship to Emory University. Valued at $325,000 over four years, the scholarship will cover tuition, housing, food, books, supplies, and travel expenses.
QuestBridge, a national nonprofit organization, connects high-achieving students with scholarships to some of the nation’s top colleges. This year, out of over 25,500 applicants, 2,627 students were awarded full scholarships through the QuestBridge National College Match program.
Kimberly attributed her success to the unwavering support of her family, faith, and community.
“I was overwhelmed with joy as I witnessed the Lord’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, and my heart swelled with gratitude and hope, knowing that a brighter and better future lies ahead,” she said.
She added, “I want to begin by expressing my deepest gratitude to God for this achievement, as He has been my greatest supporter throughout this journey. I also want to dedicate this accomplishment to my brothers and sisters at the Church of God Ministry of Jesus Christ International, whose unwavering encouragement has meant so much to me. I also extend my biggest gratitude to Sister Maria Luisa Piraquive, whose wisdom and guidance have profoundly shaped me. Through her teachings, I have learned that with faith in God and His support, all things are possible.”
“My community in Banks County has been an incredible source of strength. I am especially grateful to Mrs. Loggins and Mrs. Cote for their unconditional support, love, and belief in me, even when challenges arose. I also want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Mrs. Elizabeth Ward, whose profound impact on my life has been a constant source of motivation, as well as all the teachers at Banks County High School who have guided and inspired me”.
“Being nominated as a QuestBridge Finalist and matched with a full-ride scholarship to Emory University is an honor not only for me but also for my family and community. It symbolizes hope for others striving to achieve similar goals and reminds us of the power of faith, perseverance, and support.”
Emory University was a clear choice for Kimberly, aligning perfectly with her academic and personal goals.
“Emory has always been my dream university, offering a wealth of knowledge and unparalleled opportunities, including exceptional research programs in neuroscience. Its strong alignment with my academic interests and its proximity to home make it the perfect choice for me, allowing me to stay close to my roots while experiencing the beauty of its vibrant campus. I am thrilled to join the Emory community, confident that it will equip me with the skills and experiences needed to build a meaningful and impactful career that contributes to society.”
“When I arrived in this country at 13, I faced immense challenges. I didn’t speak the language, and I found myself surrounded by a completely unfamiliar environment, culture, and even family dynamics,” she said. “It often felt overwhelming and difficult to fit in. However, these experiences became powerful lessons in resilience and the value of hard work”.
“I learned that anything truly worthwhile requires time, effort, and perseverance. This realization ignited a deep motivation within me to push beyond my limits, seek knowledge, and strive for understanding in everything I do. Over time, with unwavering faith in God and the support of my community, all that effort bore fruit. It opened doors I never imagined possible and set me on a path toward a brighter and better future.”
Kimberly shared inspiring words for other students pursuing their dreams:
“I would tell them that no matter where you come from, what language you speak, or what your social status is, success and happiness are within your reach. Many students feel stuck in tough circumstances or lose motivation to chase their dreams because they believe they’re not good enough, don’t have the resources, or aren’t deserving. I’ve felt that way too. But here’s the truth: life is unpredictable, and hard work truly does pay off”.
“Right now, it might feel like you’re just at the starting line, but life is a continuous journey of growth. Every challenge, every setback, happens for a reason, even if we can’t see it yet. Often, it’s stepping out of your comfort zone that unlocks the path to success. As Thomas Jefferson once said, ‘If you want something you’ve never had, you must be willing to do something you’ve never done “.
She also adds, “Keep moving forward. Seek knowledge not just for its own sake but to understand the deeper ‘why’ and ‘how’ of things. Push yourself to explore, to grow, and to persevere, even when it feels hard. You are capable of so much more than you think, and your potential is limitless. Success is not reserved for the few; it’s possible for anyone willing to take the journey, step by step, no matter where you begin.”
“We are so excited for Kimberly to receive the QuestBridge Scholarship. She is an exceptional student and person and is highly deserving of any accolade she receives. Banks County High School is so proud of Kimberly, and we look forward to seeing her future successes.” Shared Principal Will Foster.
This year’s QuestBridge Match Scholarship Recipients represent all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and several U.S. territories. Since its inception, the QuestBridge National College Match has connected over 17,000 students with scholarships to top college.
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