THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 43, NO. 38 | MAY 13, 2022
Bishop Ward ‘punching above our weight’ in scholarship competition Bishop Ward junior Heymyar Nay fights back tears as she tells her mom of the $50,000 scholarship she has just been awarded.
STORY BY MOIRA CULLINGS | PHOTOS BY JAY SOLDNER
A group of 17 juniors at Bishop Ward High School in Kansas City, Kansas, had the surprise of their lives on April 29 when they discovered they were winners of this year’s KC Scholars traditional scholarships. The students will receive up to $10,000 a year for up to five years — funds that will go toward a bachelor’s degree. Many will be the first in their families to attend college.
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ANSAS CITY, Kan. — As they stepped through the front doors of Bishop Ward High School here on April 29, 17 students were greeted with roaring cheers from the crowd outside. The congratulatory signs held up by those assembled revealed what the students had accomplished: They were winners of this year’s KC Scholars traditional scholarships. “I couldn’t believe it,” said Alexandra Robles, holding back tears. “I’m so grateful.” “I was really excited,” echoed Marlyn Sandoval Cortez. “It was a mix of emotions.” Although they knew the scholarship recipients would be announced that day, the Bishop Ward juniors were under the impression it wouldn’t be for a few more hours. When they had time to take in what
the news meant, they were floored. The scholarship value the students received is up to $10,000 a year for up to five years — funds that will go toward a bachelor’s degree. The students will be able to choose from 17 colleges and universities, with several in the Kansas City area.
Opening doors Each year, KC Scholars grants at least 250 traditional scholarships to high school juniors who are eligible. They must meet a range of criteria in order to apply, including being considered from low- or modest-income families. In recent years, Bishop Ward has been one of the most successful schools in the scholarship competition. >> See “WE’RE” on page 7
Marlyn Sandoval Cortez (middle) and Alexandra Robles share a moment with Emily Saatcioglu, academic dean at Bishop Ward (left), after learning they had both received KC Scholars scholarships.