Five JCPS seniors were in for a surprise on what would have been a normal Friday near the end of the school year.
At Butler High School, WLKY caught Superintendent Marty Pollio carrying an expensive secret: a giant check worth $19,312.
“I’m surprised right now. I can’t even believe it. I can’t even think,” exclaimed Ali Alhilfi, who was in awe when he found out he was selected by the district to receive a community scholarship.
“Being able to afford college, I think this is really going to help me,” Alhilfi said after Pollio handed over the check.
The soon-to-be first-generation college student was born in Louisville and believes the unexpected financial assistance will mean the most to his family.
“Both of my parents are from Iraq … It was also their dream for me, going to college and pursuing my education,” Alhilfi said.
Pollio was on the move on Friday, presenting scholarships at five schools totaling $75,000, the largest amount awarded since JCPS launched its surprise scholarship program seven years ago.
“These are kids that are coming from, you know, predominantly poor backgrounds that are trying to find ways to scrap together for their first-generation college students,” said Pollio. “[Alhilfi] just stuck out to me as a leader and as just an incredible kid who’s overcome a lot.”
Pollio personally interviewed each of the finalists and played a role in selecting the following students to receive scholarships:
With this financial help, Alhilfi said he’s getting his diploma and heading straight to the University of Louisville.
“I plan to major in electrical engineering and possibly also earn my MBA, Master’s in Business Administration,” Alhilfi said.
He credited his time at Butler for preparing him to pursue a career in automotive engineering, saying his passion for cars was inspired by his father’s effort as a car mechanic to provide for his family.
Alhilfi excelled in academics and athletics in high school and was an active member of the Technology Student Association, Future Business Leaders of America, Kentucky United Nations, Kentucky Youth Assembly, National Honor Society, and Beta Club.
He received the largest of the five checks presented to first-generation college students on Friday.
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