Habersham students destined for top universities in scholarship program

Habersham Central Questbridge scholars are recognized for achievements Monday, April 21 (Brian Wellmeier/nowhabersham.com)

Three students from Habersham Central High School will soon head to some of the nation’s top universities after earning highly competitive scholarships through the QuestBridge National College Match program. They join just over 10,000 scholars nationwide who have been honored through the program’s history.

All three students were recognized during a Habersham Board of Education meeting Monday, April 21.

QuestBridge connects high-achieving students with full four-year scholarships to one of 52 elite colleges and universities across the country. This year, more than 25,000 students applied for the program, with only about 2,600 selected as scholars.

Questbridge scholars shake hands with Habersham Board of Education members Monday, April 21 (Brian Wellmeier/nowhabersham.com)

Of those, Habersham Central seniors Natalia Vera, Richard Navarjo and Katelyn Burrows were named scholars.

Vera plans to attend Duke University, where she will pursue a degree in finance. Navarjo is headed to Stanford University to study mechanical engineering. Burrows will enroll at Davidson College in North Carolina, aiming to double major in computer science and physics.

Questbridge scholars shake hands with Habersham Board of Education members Monday, April 21 (Brian Wellmeier/nowhabersham.com)

“It’s just incredible,” Habersham Central Principal Adam Bagwell said during a board of education meeting Monday. “You talk about life-changing opportunities for each of these students. The doors that have been opened to them through – the key word – merit. Merit means you earned it.”

Questbridge scholars shake hands with Habersham Board of Education members Monday, April 21 (Brian Wellmeier/nowhabersham.com)