What began as an unassuming, normal day for 7 Reading High School seniors, turned into a day they will never forget. Shippensburg University representatives visited Reading High School today to present each student with a full tuition scholarship and traditional housing grant.
“This is our inaugural scholarship class coming out of Reading High School” said Jennifer Haughie, Associate VP of Enrollment Management. “We looked over all of the Reading students who applied and were admitted, looking for students who had excellent course work, strong grades, and great SAT/ACT scores, and selected the best of the best.”
As a group, the students were lead into a room filled with school district and Shippensburg University staff. Not knowing what to expect, the students were shocked to find out they each received a full scholarship.
“I’m very excited about Shippensburg coming on board, it’s great for the kids, and it’s great for the community.” said Reading High Principal, Eric Turman.
“For a majority of my students, financially, the dream of getting an education doesn’t become a reality because finances get in the way. The fact that we now have a university to partner with us has given our kids the opportunity to achieve the American dream.”
As a graduate of Shippensburg himself in 1995, Reading Superintendent, Dr. Khalid Mumin was excited to speak with the students. “I am so proud to be hear today.” Said Dr. Mumin.
“Your going to start a pathway for other students here to take that road. I think back to when I was looking at Shippensburg, it was the cleanest campus, there are a lot of social activities you can get involved in, and you can make a lot of connections that will last a lifetime”
Y Lam, Student at Reading High, said she was confused as to why the group was pulled out of class. “Once I walked in, I saw the mascot, and my friends. I’m like, happy, but I don’t know what to say.”
Lam also applied to 5 other local and regional colleges in addition to Shippensburg. With the ambition to major in art education, Lam hopes to become an art teacher.
Still in awe about the announcement, Lam says it will take awhile for the news to sink in. “Is this for real? You see these things on TV but you don’t expect them to happen to you.”
