Congratulations are in order for Blackstone Valley Prep (BVP) Upper Elementary School (UES) scholar Andres Puerta! Andres is the recipient of a $1,000 college scholarship from the Carson Scholars Fund, a program that awards college scholarships to students in grades 4-11 who excel academically and are dedicated to serving their communities. Only one student from each school is able to apply, ensuring that each nominee epitomizes academic excellence. Carson Scholars must have a minimum GPA of 3.75 and display humanitarian qualities through community service. We recently spoke to Andres about his achievement.
BVP: How did you find out about the Carson Scholarship? Did anyone encourage you to apply?
AP: I found out about the Carson Scholarship through my teacher, Ms. Gunther, and [UES Head of School] Ms. Chatham telling me I had been nominated. Then Ms. Chatham sent me the link to the application, and we had a Zoom to discuss it. She was a big motivator when I was applying.
BVP: What was the application like?
AP: For the application I had to write down my biographical information: what I wanted to be when I was older, my hobbies, and my community hours. Then I wrote my essay. I did mine on a time I had to persevere in life, which was on my swim team. Ms. Chatham helped me with my school information, but the rest I did by myself.
BVP: How did you feel when you found out you won?
AP: I felt extremely happy and proud of myself! I had worked hard, and gotten my reward. Now I had a $1000 scholarship!
BVP: What are you going to use the $1,000 for?
AP: I am going to use the $1,000 for my college tuition. I hope to go to Harvard someday!
BVP: What are your future career ambitions?
AP: I have yet to decide, but I certainly want to help stop climate change, deforestation, and our carbon footprint. I would also enjoy studying something related to writing, math, and biology.
