FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact: Alexis Pritchard

Date: 01/03/2023

Phone: (504) 301-2000

Email: alexis.pritchard@sbpsb.org 

Chalmette High School Seniors Awarded Posse Scholarships

Chalmette, LA - For the ninth year in a row, Chalmette High School (CHS) seniors have been named as Posse Scholars. Recently, Anna Nguyen and Kai Williams were notified that they had been awarded this prestigious, four-year scholarship — each valued at over $250,000. Nguyen will attend Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) while Williams will enroll at Tulane University this fall. 

The Posse Foundation is a non-profit organization that identifies, recruits, and trains student leaders from public high schools. Candidates take part in an intensive interview process and training program for enrollment at top-tier universities nationwide, and upon selection, enroll as part of a small team — a Posse. 

Over the last several years, CHS seniors have earned nearly five million dollars in Posse scholarship money, attending prestigious universities across the country. In addition to CWRU and Tulane, other CHS recipients have attended Bard College, Illinois Wesleyan University, the University of Notre Dame, and Villanova University. 

David Bellard, the district’s high school Teacher of the Year, also serves as the Posse coordinator. He said this year's winners are prepared for the challenging course work and academic curriculum ahead. He added both students were leaders in and out of the classroom. 

“Anna and Kai were selected not only because of their academic promise but also because of the tremendous leadership skills they have developed and demonstrated here at school and in their own lives,” Bellard said. “We extend our deepest pride that we are sending two more seniors to such amazing universities.” 

Williams, who plans to major in Information Technology, called the entire process rigorous and competitive and looks forward to the fall semester. 

"I am excited to attend Tulane and take on the numerous opportunities provided by such a prestigious university," he said. 

Nguyen said she is thrilled with the expansive research opportunities available to her at Case Western Reserve University and said it’s the perfect destination to prepare for her future as a microbiologist. 

"I'm so excited to have a Posse with me for the next chapter of my life. I can't wait for us to help each other and see how much we grow in our time at Case," said Nguyen.

These two CHS scholars join a long list of previous Posse winners, including:

• Matt Agosto, Bard College 

• Nayonta Fernandez, University of Notre Dame

• Kaya Lawrence, University of Notre Dame

• Austin Mankin, Tulane University

• Hailey Marshall, Case Western Reserve University

• Michael O'Neill, Illinois Wesleyan University

• My Linh Hoang, Case Western Reserve University

• Hailey Abrams, University of Notre Dame

• Brian Williams, Tulane University

• Jezuete LaFuente, Illinois Wesleyan

• Logan Brewer, Illinois Wesleyan University

• Angel Chavarria, Villanova University

• Kris-Lynn McGee Villanova University

• Lina Abdellatif, University of Notre Dame

• Ariana Rojas, Villanova University

• Melanie Corral, Illinois Wesleyan University

• Angel Lee, Illinois Wesleyan University

• Jedelle Lafuente, Case Western Reserve University

• Kine Buie, Case Western Reserve University

• Beau Nunez, University of Notre Dame

• Christine Chen, University of Notre Dame

• Avani Miller, Villanova University

CHS principal Wayne Warner said the school’s success in this program is a reflection of the tireless efforts of both the students and the staff. 

“Our students, teachers, and administrators understand that we are all on the same team, working collaboratively to build a school we are all proud to call home. Congratulations to these outstanding Owls.”

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