HRV students achieve milestones in higher education pursuits

The following students have been accepted into notable institutions:

Erandy Galindo Chamonica: Admitted to Washington University in St. Louis, Mo., with a full four-year award scholarship opportunity.

Simone Tillman: Admitted to the United States Military Academy Preparatory School located at West Point, N.Y.

Zayante Miller: Admitted to Oregon State University, with the Oregon State University Presidential Scholarship ($40,000 over four years).

Jack Stehlik: Admitted to the United States Merchant Marine Academy located at Kings Point, N.Y. ($300,000 over four years).

Kefira Addy: Admitted to Pacific Northwest College of Art at Willamette University, with the PNCA Forest Park Scholarship ($30,000).

Lissette Beltran: Admitted to University of Portland, Dell scholarship ($20,000).

These students have exhibited exceptional qualities inside and outside the classroom, contributing positively to our school community through their leadership, involvement, and dedication to excellence.

“We are immensely proud of our students for their outstanding achievements,” said Columba Jones, HRVHS principal. “Their hard work and determination have opened doors to bright futures, and we are confident they will continue to excel in their academic pursuits.”

The teachers and staff at HRVHS extend their heartfelt congratulations to these students and wish them continued success as they embark on this exciting chapter of their educational journey.

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Erandy Galindo Chamonica has been admitted to Washington University in St. Louis and has been awarded a full, four-year QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship. On receiving news of the scholarship, said: “I am super grateful for the opportunity of a full ride and overjoyed to see that all my hard work had been recognized.”

At Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, Erandy hopes to study Architecture.

Erandy’s accomplishments are impressive, especially given the context of this year’s application cycle. Out of over 20,800 applicants, QuestBridge selected 6,683 Finalists to be considered for the QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship (Match Scholarship). This year, QuestBridge’s 50 college partners matched with 2,242 Finalists, who are recognized as Match Scholarship Recipients. This is the highest number of Match Scholarship Recipients to date for QuestBridge.

“We are thrilled to welcome this historic community of QuestBridge Scholars,” said Ana Rowena Mallari, Co-Founder and CEO of QuestBridge. “Their achievements speak to their depth of intellect and character, and we know they will continue to dream big on their college campuses and beyond.”

Match Scholarship Recipients are admitted early to QuestBridge college partners with full four-year scholarships provided by the colleges and universities, ensuring for these students and their families that an education at a top college is affordable. The Match Scholarship is made up of a generous financial aid package provided by the college that covers the full cost of attendance, including tuition, housing and food, books and supplies, and travel expenses. 

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The Admissions Committee has selected Simone Tillman for an appointment to the United States Military Academy Preparatory School located at West Point, New York. Tillman is a student at Hood River Options Academy and will graduate from Hood River Valley High School in June 2024.

The U.S. Military Academy Preparatory School — known as USMAPS — was formally established in 1946, but the history of preparing soldiers for West Point has been done since Congress enacted legislation in 1916 authorizing Soldier appointments to West Point.  The school exists today as an avenue of opportunity for a carefully selected group of soldiers and civilians by providing them with the academic, leadership, and physical skills that will prepare them for success as cadets in the U.S. Military Academy.

Admission to the Preparatory School is extremely competitive and selection is a source of pride for Simone’s accomplishments. Simone will also be a member of the West Point Track & Field team next year.

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Zayante Miller is the recipient of the Oregon State University Presidential Scholarship. The Presidential Scholarship is one of the most prestigious awards and Presidential Scholars are part of a select group of future Beavers. The Presidential Scholarship awards up to $40,000 over a period of 4 years.

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The Admissions Committee has selected Jack Stehlik for an appointment to the United States Merchant Marine Academy located at Kings Point, New York. Stehlik is a student at Hood River Options Academy and will graduate from Hood River Valley High School in June 2024.

The United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) is a federal service academy that educates and graduates leaders of exemplary character who are committed to serve the national security, marine transportation, and economic needs of the United States as licensed Merchant Marine Officers and commissioned officers in the Armed Forces. An appointment to the Academy is the equivalent of a scholarship worth approximately $300,000 over the 4 year period.

Jack is one of 275 appointees selected to attend the Academy from around the world, out of approximately 1500 applicants. This remarkable achievement reflects great credit on Jack and demonstrates his already exemplary character and achievements. Jack will also be a member of the Lacrosse team while attending. Completion of the intensive program will result in a highly regarded Bachelor of Science degree, a US Merchant Marine Officer’s license, and an Ensign’s commission in the US Navy Reserve.

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Pacific Northwest College of Art at Willamette University awarded Kefira Addy the PNCA Forest Park Scholarship in the amount $30,000 based on the strength of her application, portfolio, and demonstrated potential. This scholarship is renewable annually for a total of $120,000 over a period of 4 years.

Kefira recently also won three Regional Scholastic Art silver key awards for her artwork.

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Lissette Beltran was selected as a Dell Scholar.  Each year, 500 out of close to 10,000 students are selected to become Dell Scholars. These students are bright, ambitious, and hardworking, determined to take advantage of the opportunity that a college degree represents.  This achievement comes with a $20,000 scholarship per year in addition to a Dell laptop computer and individualized support and guidance.

Dell Scholars demonstrate a unique set of characteristics in their quest for a college education: Drive. Tenacity. Ambition. They are students who are motivated and dream big, who know the journey to reach their goals won’t be easy but have the commitment and determination to continue working every day.