In Monroe, Louisiana, Cur’Dericka Rice, a standout student from Richwood High School, has achieved an extraordinary milestone.
As the valedictorian of her class, Rice has secured close to one million dollars in scholarships from 13 different universities, including prestigious institutions such as Louisiana State University, Loyola University in New Orleans, and the University of Louisiana Monroe, KNOE reports.
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Graduating with a perfect 4.0 GPA and an impressive ACT score of 33, Rice’s academic excellence has paved the way for her next journey. She has chosen to attend Louisiana Tech University in the fall semester of 2024, where she plans to major in chemical engineering. Her goal? Lessen the impacts of pollution—a testament to her commitment to making a positive difference in the world.
Rice’s journey is not just about her academic achievements but also her perseverance and belief in striving for excellence. “Even if you don’t think it’s possible, you should still strive to excel and go beyond whatever the goal may be because you never know what you can do. If you doubt yourself and count yourself out, you won’t even be able to live up to that potential because you didn’t even try,” Rice shared, offering words of encouragement to others aiming for their dreams.
Despite not receiving a full ride to Louisiana Tech, the scholarships lift a significant financial burden off her family, allowing Rice to focus on her studies and future goals. She credits her teachers and parents for their unwavering support and guidance throughout her academic journey. “Walking into college, goals that I have are just to keep my head on straight and continue to make the people around me proud. But, as far as academics, I’m just up for the challenge because I’m ready to be challenged and do the best that I can,” Rice said, reflecting on her aspirations and the road ahead.
As she looks forward to the challenges and opportunities that await her at Louisiana Tech, Rice stands as an exemplar for her peers and community. Because of her, we are reminded that potential knows no bounds and the future is bright for those who dare to strive for greatness.
Cover photo: Louisiana Valedictorian Accepted into Dozens of Colleges, Receives Nearly $1M in Scholarships / Credit: Cur’Derika Rice