NEWARK, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of the Newark Public School District. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.
District officials announced today that Claudia Ferreira, an East Side High School senior, has been awarded a full scholarship for college to the University of Pennsylvania. The school was her top choice as she began the college application process.
The QuestBridge Scholarship Program, a nonprofit organization that provides higher education opportunities to high-achieving students from low-income families, has provided the scholarships.
“I’m just glad all the hard work paid off,” Claudia said. “I’m really excited to go there next year.”
When Claudia moves to the Ivy League school in Philadelphia, it will be her first experience living outside of Newark’s Ironbound section. The neighborhood has been her home since she was born at Saint James Hospital. Her mother is from Portugal, and her father is from Brazil.
Claudia, who discovered her passion for biology as a student at Hawkins Street School, plans to major in the field as she works toward her goal of becoming a forensic pathologist.
She also has a strong interest in creative writing and is an avid reader of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians fantasy novel series by Rick Riordan. Last summer, Claudia completed a four-week course at Harvard University where she wrote an original short story.
“It was basically about a girl who experienced things like me but in a more magical sense,” she said. “I really like the aspect of creating a whole story for people to escape to.”
A well-rounded student, Claudia is captain of the Girls Tennis Team, a member of the bowling team, and serves as co-vice president of East Side High School’s yearbook club, where she oversees photography. She is also treasurer for both the National Honor Society and the Senior Class Advisory Club, which organizes key senior events like prom. Through her involvement in the NJ LEEP program, Ferreira has gained valuable skills and experiences that have prepared her for college and beyond.
“We are extremely excited about Claudia’s incredible achievement,” said Superintendent León. “She aimed high in applying to colleges, worked hard, and achieved her goal. I want to acknowledge the love and guidance of Claudia’s parents and thank her teachers, counselors, mentors, and administrators for bringing out the best of Claudia’s talents and abilities. I’m looking forward to all that Claudia accomplishes in college.”
“This is a remarkable achievement that reflects Claudia’s dedication, resilience, and the limitless potential of our students,” said Hasani K. Council, President of the Board of Education. I would also like to recognize her parents and all those who have guided and inspired Claudia throughout her journey. Her success is evidence of the power of community and education working hand in hand, and we are immensely proud of all that she has accomplished.”
“I am beyond proud of Claudia Ferreira for earning the prestigious QuestBridge Scholarship and securing her place at the University of Pennsylvania. Her journey from the Ironbound neighborhood to the Ivy League is truly inspiring,” Carlos Rodriguez, Principal of East Side High School. “Claudia exemplifies the spirit of East Side High School, and we know she will continue to make us proud in this next chapter of her life.”
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