In a remarkable achievement, Cur’Dericka Rice, an African American teenager, has garnered nearly $1 million in scholarships from 13 universities. Named valedictorian of Richwood High School, Rice graduated with a stellar 4.0 GPA and an impressive ACT score of 33.
Rice shared her aspirations and determination with KNOE, stating, “Walking into college, goals that I have are just to keep my head on straight and continue to make the people around me proud. But, as far as academics, I’m just up for the challenge because I’m ready to be challenged and do the best that I can.”
Rice credits her academic success to the unwavering support and encouragement from her parents and teachers. She received scholarships from prestigious institutions such as Louisiana State University, Loyola University of New Orleans, and the University of Monroe.
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The young graduate expressed her excitement about overcoming the challenges of attending college. She has chosen to enroll at Louisiana Tech University in the fall of 2024, driven by her desire to address environmental issues. Rice plans to major in chemical engineering, aiming to reduce the effects of pollution through her studies and future work.
Reflecting on her journey, Rice encouraged others not to give up on their goals. “Even if you don’t think it’s possible, you should still strive to excel and go beyond whatever the goal may be, because you never know what you can do. If you doubt yourself and count yourself out, you won’t even be able to live up to that potential because you didn’t even try.”
Cur’Dericka Rice’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, hard work, and the support of a nurturing community. Her achievements serve as an inspiration to students everywhere, proving that with dedication and effort, significant accomplishments are within reach.
