Percy L. Julian High School honor roll student Daniel Abankwa Jr. has been chosen as a 2010 recipient of the prestigious William Gates Millennium Scholarship.
Percy L. Julian High School honor roll student Daniel Abankwa Jr. has been chosen as a 2010 recipient of the prestigious William Gates Millennium Scholarship.
This year, more than 20,000 high school seniors nationwide applied and 1,000 were awarded scholarships. As a Gates Millennium Scholar, awardees may attend any U.S. accredited college or university of their choice. GMS scholars must be leaders in school and in their community and have stellar academic achievements. Abankwa has displayed strong leadership skills as an active student at Julian and has committed himself to servicing his community. His academic achievements are outstanding.
He has taken numerous honors and Advanced Placement courses while maintaining a 4.7 grade point average. He scored a 28 composite on the ACT exam and was recently named valedictorian of the senior class.
Abankwa has earned more than $1.5 million in scholarships. He has been accepted by Dillard University, Hampton University, the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Yale University. He plans to become a tax attorney.
Abankwa credits his close-knit family for their support and their emphasis on education. He also has been inspired by the words and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
“Dr. King had a brilliant mind and saw education as a pathway to freedom and success,” Abankwa stated. “Dr. King once said, ‘Intelligence plus character-that is the goal of education.’ I plan to continue to feed my intelligence and strengthen my character so that I, like Dr. King, can be an inspiration and positive role model for others.
“This scholarship will assist me in achieving my goals and I am eternally grateful to be a recipient.”
Copyright 2010 Chicago Defender.
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