Action News Jax Now

SOUTH FULTON, Ga. — A graduating senior at Westlake High School in South Fulton County may have set a college acceptance record.
Chase Matthews, a Westlake High student, was accepted at 155 colleges.
>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<
Matthews says she already knows what she wants to do with her education.
“I aspire to become a pharmacist and open a chain of mobile and brick-and-mortar pharmacies,” Matthews told Petersen.
And she’ll get the college education she needs, anywhere she wants to.
“First we have the University of Alaska, Fairbanks,” the first of 155 colleges and universities across all 50 states that have sent Matthews an acceptance letter.
“Chase exemplifies excellence,” said Gregory Minnis, Westlake High interim principal.
[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]
Minnis said Matthews always goes above and beyond, carries an ‘A’ average for her grades and is also a scholar, band member and role model.
“Just hard work, hard work,” said Matthews’ college advisor Sean Moore.
All of the schools she was accepted to offered Matthews a “dollar or two” in scholarships as well, and it all added up.
So far, Matthews said the scholarship offers have totaled a collective $6 million, making her one of the most successful, if not the most successful, scholarship earners in Georgia history.
“It’s all for my grandparents and parents,” Matthews said. “I’ve seen their struggles with affording medicine as well as accessibility. I want to fix that problem in the Black and low-income communities in Atlanta.”
While Matthews won’t get all $6 million, just the amount the school of her choice offered in scholarships, it’s sure to provide a full ride. She said she’s leaning toward Florida A&M University, Howard University and Ohio State University.
WSB-TV Atlanta contributed to this report.
[SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
© 2024 Cox Media Group. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices.

source