JCPS Foundation awards $75,000 in college scholarships to graduating seniors

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Five Jefferson County Public Schools seniors received a life-changing surprise Thursday when they were awarded a total of $75,000 in scholarships through the JCPS Foundation.

Each year, the foundation selects a small group of graduating seniors through an application and interview process to receive financial support for college. This year, five students were awarded scholarships ranging from $12,000 to nearly $20,000.

Central High School senior Mamata Ayusha Sapkota, who was among the recipients, emigrated from Nepal with her family eight years ago. She was awarded a $15,000 scholarship.

"This means so much," Sapkota said. "This means my dreams of getting my full education are coming true."

Sapkota, who has a 4.0 GPA, has made an impact in and out of the classroom, even helping to open a school in her home country. She plans to attend Denison University in Ohio, where her older brother is currently a student.

"My brother was going to kind of have to (help) pay," she said. "But here, you don't have to pay no more."

Sapkota said the scholarship will cover at least two years of her college tuition. She hopes to become an open-heart surgeon.

JCPS Superintendent Marty Pollio handed out giant checks to the students, who were surprised to be chosen.

"We are getting to be a part in helping her realize her dreams," Pollio said.

At Butler High School, senior Ali Alhilfi received the largest check of the day: nearly $20,000.

"Oh my God," he said, overcome with emotion. "Sorry, this is very emotional for me."

Alhilfi, who already has 30 college credit hours under his belt, has been active in extracurriculars including tennis, soccer and robotics. He will be the first in his family to attend college and plans to study automotive electrical engineering at the University of Louisville.

"Both my parents are from Iraq," Alhilfi said. "It was their dream for me to go to college and pursue my education."

Three other seniors were also recognized:

Jessica Amat-Garcia, who will attend Bellarmine University

Cordaisha Milan, who will attend the University of Louisville

Sebasitan Myers who will attend Northern Kentucky University

The JCPS Community Scholarships are funded by donations from JCPS employees and community members.

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