Two Cross Creek Charter Academy Eighth-Grade Students Win $5,000 College Scholarship

Damaris Mayorga and Annika Sher, eighth-grade students at Cross Creek Charter Academy, were surprised during graduation each with a $5,000 college scholarship. Principal Joe Nieuwkoop announced Damaris and Annika as two of the seven recipients of the 2018 National Heritage Academies (NHA) CollegeBound^TM Scholarship.
 
Students from 84 schools around the country applied for the one-time college scholarship from NHA, the school’s charter management company. Out of hundreds of applicants, seven were awarded the $5,000 scholarship to be used for their future college endeavors.
 
As part of the application process, each applicant was required to write a personal essay on one of four topics.
 
Damaris is an active member of the Human Society, Cross Creek basketball team, cross country, band, choir, and National Junior Honor Society.
 
Annika is an active member of National Junior Honor Society.  
 
“On behalf of National Heritage Academies, I want to congratulate Damaris Mayorga and Annika Sher on winning one of the 2018 NHA CollegeBound Scholarships,” said Tari Reinink, NHA chief marketing officer. “Damaris and Annika are excellent examples of what we hope for all NHA students. With strong academics, admirable character, and a passion for community, I look forward to seeing what they accomplish in the future. I wish both Damaris and Annika the best of luck on their next academic venture.”
 
All eighth-grade students who attend an NHA school are eligible for the scholarship. An independent professional selection group chose the winners based on their essay submission, academics, and community service.
 
Ninety-three percent of the scholarship money comes directly from NHA employee donations. Many NHA employees see the scholarship fund as an opportunity to further support students and help them on the path toward college readiness.

About Cross Creek Charter Academy
Cross Creek Charter Academy is a tuition-free, public charter school in Byron Center, Michigan, serving students in Young 5s through eighth grade. It is part of the National Heritage Academies network, which includes more than 100 tuition-free, public charter schools serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade across nine states. For more information, visit nhaschools.com.

Visit Cross Creek Charter Academy's blog to read more stories like this.