Jana Goodwin, the Class of 2016 president, is one of the recipients of the Gates Millennium Scholarship. This is not the first time a student from King has received this scholarship. Last year, Crusader Paris Dimick received the same scholarship.
“Paris Dimick motivated me when she won last year, and the administration was very helpful. They guided me and helped every way they could,” said Goodwin.
Established in 1999 and funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Gates Millennium Scholarship provides 1,000 students of color with financial means to reach their post high school goals. The scholarship covers college tuition, books, fees, and living expenses for any college the recipient chooses to attend. Goodwin still is undecided about which school she will attend in the fall of 2016, but Spelman College in Atlanta, is at the top of her list. She plans to study sociology, psychology and business.
The most difficult portion of the application for the scholarship was the question that referenced something in the applicant’s life she had to overcome. In the tenth grade, Goodwin found her uncle dead, her mother died of a heart attack, and grandmother died due to heart complications. These deaths happened in an eight-month span.
“The hardest thing was completing essay question No. 8 without getting emotional,” said Goodwin. “I suffered and struggled greatly. I persevered and pushed harder for what I want in life. I believe that life isn’t as easy as it seems but as easy as you make it.”
If given the opportunity, Goodwin wants to thank the Gates family.
“I want you all to know you’ve changed my life completely; I am very honored and grateful. You all have changed lives around the world and one day I hope I can do the same. I plan to be on top,” said Goodwin. “I was very joyful, grateful, and proud. I am beyond grateful. I feel like this is one of the best things that has ever happened to me.”
