Education
Cypress Ridge HS junior wins College Board BigFuture scholarship
Cypress Ridge High School junior Allison Ramirez was surprised with the College Board BigFuture $40,000 scholarship on Sept. 24.
College Board’s BigFuture scholarships financially reward students who complete steps online in the college and career planning process. Ramirez completed at least one planning action on BigFuture, a free online platform that helps students personalize a plan for life after high school. Completing at least one step enters a student for a chance to win two $40,000 scholarships and hundreds of $500 scholarships, currently awarded monthly to high school juniors and seniors across the country.
“It was very shocking,” Ramirez said. “I honestly thought this was something that had a one in a million shot at winning, so when I did win, I didn’t know what to do but cry. All I could think was my mom and dad don’t have to worry anymore.”
Ramirez’s parents, Edwin and Dinora Ramirez, were part of the surprise announcement and celebration, along with members of the Cypress Ridge wrestling team, cheerleaders, members of the Cypress Ridge staff and administration and College Board representatives.
“We are incredibly proud of Allison,” said Dr. Abe Lozano, Cypress Ridge principal. “She truly embodies the best of Cypress Ridge and all of Ram Nation. By receiving this scholarship, I hope our students will recognize the potential opportunities that exist in applying for scholarships. I encourage them to use Allison’s experience as inspiration to explore their own possibilities as they plan their own path forward.”
Ramirez learned about the BigFuture scholarship through her CFISD College Academy courses. College Academy provides the opportunity for CFISD students to graduate with not only their high school diploma but with their associate degree from Lone Star College—CyFair.
“Before College Academy, I didn’t know anything about BigFuture,” Ramirez said. “When I was exploring the website, I saw the steps you could take to win this scholarship. I knew the family needed this, so I read through the instructions and completed my FASFA form and listing three colleges that I’m interested in. I was then entered into the monthly drawings and here we are!”
Ramirez plans on using her scholarship to attend a four-year university to study chemistry or pre-law.
Visit the BigFuture website for more information.
Source: CFISD
