Teachers, along with school leaders, met at the school to drive to Pedroza’s house to announce that she has been named a 2020 CollegeBound™ Scholarship recipient and to present a giant check for winning the $5,000 college scholarship.
“Alondra is not only a hard-working student, but she is also a kind and caring young adult,” said Mona Boersma, principal at Walton Charter Academy. “She is a supportive friend and role model to her fellow Wildcats. I am very proud of her and happy that she is being recognized."
Pedroza is one of only four recipients of the annual CollegeBoundTM Scholarship. Students from 89 schools in nine states across the country applied for the scholarship. This is the first time Walton has had a student receive this honor!
Pedroza was selected from hundreds of applicants after being reviewed by the CollegeBound™Scholarship Committee, which takes into account academic performance, community involvement, and a written essay. The essay focuses on one of four topics related to the school’s Moral Focus curriculum, which teaches students to be well-rounded individuals by teaching monthly virtues, such as gratitude and encouragement.
“It is our pleasure to recognize Alondra Pedroza as a recipient of the 2020 CollegeBound Scholarship,” said Brian Britton, CEO of National Heritage Academies. “We are so proud of her dedication and hard work in the classroom and beyond. We look forward to seeing the many good things she will go on to accomplish.”
In a special video highlighting the scholarship, one Walton teacher shared the following congratulatory words to Pedroza. “It has been such an amazing honor being your teacher for the last three years,” said Megan Roebke, seventh- through eighth-grade language arts teacher at Walton. “You are such a bright, funny, hard-working young lady, and I know you are only going to do great things in the future.”
Pedroza has been a member of Walton’s art club for two years and has served as a volunteer coordinator at Altar Servers of St. Damien of Molokai Parish for more than four years. In that role, she is proud to serve as a mentor for younger children in the program.
“Alondra is intelligent, mature, responsible, and a hard worker,” said Michelle Keylon-DeBell, science teacher at Walton. “She has an amazing future ahead, and I cannot wait to hear about it!”
All NHA eighth-grade students were eligible to enter for their chance at the scholarship. The winners were chosen by an independent professional selection group.
“Alondra is so clever and creative,” said Bryan Wietecha, math teacher at Walton. “She brings so much talent to the table in math class and others benefit from her ability to share her ideas and strengths.”