Last fall, at the start of her senior year in high school, Brittney Watkins applied to 13 colleges. She applied to colleges such as Princeton University, Yale, Harvard, University of Chicago, University of Pennsylvania, Duke University and Georgetown University.
In the end, she accepted a full scholarship to Princeton University, her top choice. She will major in politics and work toward certification in Latin American studies.
“I want to be a lawyer, and then become a senator,” said Watkins.
Watkins, who attends Hazelwood West High School, is senior class vice president, a member of National Honor Society and Tri M, and is the Soprano II Choir section leader. She is involved in her church and the Leadership Enterprise for a Diverse America (LEDA).
She was selected as one of 48 “outstanding” students in St. Louis City and County to serve on the Missouri 1st District Congressional Youth Cabinet (CYC), led by U.S. Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay. The cabinet advises Clay and his staff on key national and local issues that impact young people.
“The scholarship means a lot. One of the reasons I applied is because of their large endowment. They want to make sure students can attend, no matter their socio-economic background,” she said.
Her family is “very excited” about her scholarship. “It takes away worry about how to pay for my education because everything is covered,” she said.
Besides Princeton, Watkins received scholarship offers from Pennsylvania, Georgetown, Richmond University, Northwestern University and American University. She received more than a half-million in offers – $554,547.
On Saturday, May 19, she graduated with the class of 2012.
“It’s been a long time coming,” Watkins said of her graduation. “My dream is coming to fruition. Another chapter of my life is beginning, but I can only celebrate for a little while because I have another scholarship interview.”
