Northeast High School Senior Zhane Wiggins Wins $40,000 College Board BigFuture Scholarship – Eye On Annapolis
Northeast High School senior Zhane Wiggins received a life-changing surprise during a senior assembly when College Board officials announced she had won a $40,000 BigFuture scholarship. The assembly was billed as an information session about college and scholarship opportunities, but a few minutes in, officials revealed Wiggins was one of two national monthly winners for completing key college and career planning steps through BigFuture, College Board’s free online resource.
“I’m so shocked. I was not expecting it at all,” Wiggins said moments after the assembly concluded. “When she said my name, I just completely froze.” Her mother, Lakeshia Major, attended under the guise of watching the cheerleading team’s opening routine and was also surprised by the announcement.
Wiggins is active in the AVID program, the Human Performance Signature Program, and the school’s cheerleading team. She plans to pursue a career in physical therapy and already holds an internship in the field. Colleges under consideration include the University of Maryland, Texas A&M, North Carolina A&T, James Madison University, and the University of Central Florida.
BigFuture scholarships reward students who take concrete steps to plan for life after high school—building college lists, exploring careers, and finding ways to pay for school. Each month, students who complete milestones are entered into drawings for $500 awards and two $40,000 scholarships that can be used at two- or four-year institutions. No essays or test scores are required, and eligibility is not tied to family income or GPA. Students from families earning less than $60,000 per year receive double entries for every drawing.
“BigFuture Scholarships celebrate students who are taking the steps they need to own their futures,” BigFuture Senior Vice President Amy Reitz said. “Whether they are starting their career, college, or scholarships lists, BigFuture is here to provide resources that support student aspirations. We want to help more students like Zhane navigate the path toward a great career and the education to make it a reality.”
Wiggins’ accomplishments reflect a sustained commitment to academics, service, and professional exploration, according to school leaders. “Zhane is a well-deserving student who has thrived in the AVID program throughout high school,” Northeast AVID Site Coordinator Elizabeth Parker said. “She is a dedicated cheerleader for Northeast and also competes outside of school. Zhane challenges herself through the AACC dual enrollment program and gains valuable experience interning at a local physical therapy office. Her positive attitude is contagious and will carry her far in the future.”
Since 2019, College Board has awarded more than $23 million to over 24,000 students through BigFuture scholarships, helping families address the rising costs associated with college and career training. Students in the classes of 2026 and 2027 can begin the process and become eligible for monthly drawings by completing planning steps at www.bigfuture.org.
High school juniors and seniors can create a BigFuture account, explore career pathways, create college lists, research financial aid, and complete scholarship steps throughout the year. Each action increases a student’s entries, improving the chances of being selected for awards like the one Wiggins received. For families and counselors, BigFuture provides free tools to guide students through deadlines, applications, and funding options—all designed to simplify next steps after graduation.
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