NCAPCS is sending a shout out to Ariadna Cruz, a senior at Henderson Collegiat, who has been selected for an early-decision, full-ride scholarship to Denison University through the highly selective QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship program.

This year, QuestBridge’s 45 college partners matched with 1,674 students who are recognized as College Match Scholarship Recipients, the highest number to date, according to a December 1, 2021 press release. The Match Scholars were chosen from 6,312 finalists out of a pool of 16,500 applicants nationwide based on academic achievement, financial qualifications, and personal character.

Henderson Collegiate has three QuestBridge finalists this year. In addition to Ariadna, Jillisa Hall and Casey Maghanoy were selected as finalists. Jillisa and Casey are still in the running to be recognized as a QuestBridge Scholar at their chosen college or university during the regular decision college acceptance timeline, anticipated in Spring of this year. We wish Jillisa and Casey the best of luck!

Every year since Henderson Collegiate’s first graduating Class of 2019, one of our seniors has been recognized as a QuestBridge Match or Scholar with full-ride scholarship.

● 2022 - Ariadna Cruz - Denison University (Match)
● 2021 - Emily Garcia - Princeton University (Scholar)
● 2020 - Angel Celestino - University of Chicago (Match)
● 2019 - Victor Clifton - Duke University (Match)

CEO and Co-Founder Eric Sanchez shared, “Congratulations Ariadna for being recognized as a
2022 QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship Recipient. The Henderson Collegiate
family is so proud of you!”

“Having four consecutive years of students receiving a full-ride QuestBridge Scholarship to some of the most prestigious colleges and universities in the country is noteworthy for any school. It is especially significant for Henderson Collegiate as we serve one of the poorest rural communities in Vance County, North Carolina. Our K-12 educators are unapologetically passionate and dedicated to helping all of our students persist to and through college, even during the ongoing pandemic. Despite their zip code all students deserve the best education opportunities to
overcome education and income gaps, and Henderson Collegiate remains steadfast in pursuing this outcome.”

The QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship program is a college and scholarship application process that helps outstanding low-income high school seniors gain admission and full, four-year scholarships to the nation’s most selective colleges. QuestBridge accomplishes this by partnering with these schools to identify and support students who otherwise may not apply to leading colleges. College Match Scholarships, which are provided by participating
colleges, cover the full cost of tuition, room and board, are loan-free, and require no parental contribution.

Founded in 2010 and serving rural Vance County and neighboring communities in North Carolina, Henderson Collegiate is a family of three public charter schools serving 1338 K-12 students with one mission: college! Nationally-recognized and ranked among the best public schools in our state, we’re a network of college preparatory elementary, middle, and high schools that are passionately committed to helping students to achieve their dreams and
become the best versions of themselves, at college and beyond. For more information visit HendersonCollegiate.org, email [email protected], or call (252) 598-1038.