Four Outstanding Owls Named Questbridge Scholarship Winners

Four Outstanding Chalmette High School Seniors Named Prestigious QuestBridge Scholarship Winners

The Chalmette High School Class of 2026 got some exciting news recently when four outstanding seniors- Maya Dufrene, Celine Bioc, Alayna Mendel, and Cheyann Clark - were named as winners of the QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship. This program connects high-achieving high school seniors with full four-year scholarships to some of the nation’s most prestigious universities. 

Maya is a National Merit Semifinalist, BigFuture Ambassador, College Prep Scholar, co-founder of Psychology Club, and member of a variety of other clubs including CHS Voices, Star Squad, Beta, 4-H, Student Council, and Driven. She will attend Dartmouth College in New Hampshire and will pursue her studies in psychology.

Celine, recently named Ms. Chalmette, holds numerous leadership roles at CHS, including Student Council President, Senior Class Officer, Key Club President, Tennis Captain, STEM Club Officer, and member of the Asian Heritage and Library Clubs. She also served as a Homecoming Court maid. Celine will attend the University of Notre Dame in Indiana, where she plans to major in Strategic Management and minor in Compassionate Care in Medicine in pursuit of  a career in Healthcare Administration.

Alayna is an active and service-minded student, involved in Beta Club, Key Club, Student Council, 4-H, and 4-H Junior Leaders. She also volunteers with the Sankofa Vegetable Garden and Market. Alayna will attend Wellesley University in Massachusetts, acknowledged as one of the top women’s colleges in the world. A first-generation student, Alayna plans to study neuroscience. 

Cheyann has been active in a wide range of organizations during her time at CHS, including serving as Co-President and Founder of Hand in Hand, as well as participating in 4-H, Beta Club, Key Club, Student Council, Academic Games, and Technology Club. She will attend Hamilton College in New York, where she plans to explore multiple academic pathways, including biochemistry or political science, with a minor in psychology also under consideration.

Each Match Scholarship is valued at over $300,000 and is made possible by a generous financial aid package provided by the college partner. It covers the full cost of attendance, including tuition, housing, food, books, supplies and travel expenses. Its mission is to create a more equitable society where every student can reach their potential, contribute to the world, and build a life that they love.

Ana Rowena Mallari, Co-Founder and CEO of QuestBridge, reflected on the lasting impact of the program and its scholars.

“Since QuestBridge’s founding over 30 years ago, we've witnessed the incredible impact our Scholars can make in their lives, families, and communities, and we know that this year's students will make a positive impact, too.”

The Questbridge National College Match has connected over 19,000 students over the years, including 2,550 students in 2025 who matched at 55 colleges across the country and the District of Columbia, as well as the territories of American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and Puerto Rico. Most winners have an average unweighted GPA of 3.94, and are in the top 10% of their graduating class.

Mallari said that QuestBridge helps support students who embody excellence as they “continue to dream big.”

Chalmette High School Principal Will Schneider shared his excitement about the announcement, noting that the students’ achievements reflect the strength of the school community. “Earning scholarships to some of the nation’s most respected universities speaks volumes about the dedication and work happening on our campus every day,” Schneider said. “Maya, Celine, Alayna, and Cheyann exemplify what it means to be leaders and ambassadors for our school. We are incredibly proud of them and eager to see all they accomplish as they move forward into this next chapter.”

Schneider also praised the teachers and staff whose efforts support student success across the district. “Chalmette High School serves students from throughout the parish, providing opportunities and encouragement that help them grow and thrive,” he said. “These QuestBridge Scholars represent the collective work of our schools and the commitment of educators who prepare students for high school, higher education, and the careers that lie ahead.”