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Rich Township

HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 227

THE OFFICIAL RICH TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 227 NEWSLETTER APRIL 2021

DERRICK PATRICK RTHS SENIOR

Questbridge Scholarship Student

& Notre Dame Bound!

Derrick Patrick, an wait to open it because
Board Members I didn’t want to open
outstanding RTHS senior
Andrea D. Bonds it. When I clicked
Board President who has committed to the updated button,
Notre Dame University
Janice Preston and is a recipient of the confetti came down
Vice President and I saw that it said
prestigious Questbridge congratulations. Then I
Cheryl Coleman Scholarship. saw that I had matched
Secretary
to Notre Dame, and
Randy Alexander This is a highly competitive full I was stunned for a
Board Member four-year academic scholarship minute,” said Patrick.
toward an undergraduate degree As a child, Derrick
Mia Carter at any partner university. Derrick is lived in South Bend,
Board Member
1 of 1,464 students who was awarded the Indiana for a while so this was a full circle
Sharon Newman scholarship nationwide and 1 of only 90 moment for him.
Board Member students matched to Notre Dame University.
It was important for Derrick to select a school
Dr. Delores Woods
Board Member The Questbridge Scholarship is open to relatively close by because he wanted to be
seniors who have primarily A’s in the most an influence and role model for his younger
Superintendent’s Cabinet challenging courses available and that sisters. His advice to his sisters and other
Dr. Johnnie Thomas include honors, Advanced Placement, students is the same rule he has followed,
Superintendent and International Baccalaureate courses. “Always stay focused in school and follow
Qualifying students must rank in the top your passion and aspirations.”
Dr. Alicia Evans
Assistant Superintendent 5% - 10% of their graduating class and have
of Business & Operations an SAT score above 1280. Additionally, Derrick plans to major in finance and later
applicants must demonstrate evidence of attend law school. He hopes that his story
Dr. Kim Echols strong writing ability, intellectual spark, and encourages others to believe in their
Assistant Superintendent
of Human Resources determination through essays and faculty potential too.
recommendations.
Dr. Stephen Bournés
Assistant Superintendent After a long application process, Derrick “It is not just about me and what
of Educational Services
found out in December that he was a finalist I am doing. It’s about what I
Larry Varn for the award. When he was notified that overcame and the challenges that
Principal an update was available on the scholarship I have faced in life. I hope to
portal, he was nervous at first. “I wanted to inspire others through my story.”