A free ride to college

Heading off to college can be an exciting event for a teenager. One of the most daunting aspects of the experience, however, is how to pay for it.

One Coupeville High School student doesn’t have to worry about money anymore. Senior Micah Johnson received a scholarship from Quest Bridge that will take care of his school expenses for his first four years of college.

Quest Bridge provides scholarships for talented high school students who come from low-income families. The program matches students with several private colleges scattered throughout the country. Last year, the program provided funding for 100 students.

Fortunately for Johnson, he wants to go to a college that participates in the scholarship program.

Starting next fall, he plans to attend Pomona College in Pomona, Calif. He chose the small private college because it is a highly-rated liberal arts college and provides an education environment he prefers.

“They’re real open to free thinking,” Johnson said. He doesn’t know what his major is yet, but he is leaning toward studying English or the biological sciences. The scholarship will cover the approximately $44,000 a year needed for tuition and expenses that come with attending the private college.

In his third year attending Coupeville High School, Johnson has a perfect 4.0 grade average. He competed on the soccer team and is a member of National Honor Society. Prior to coming to Coupeville, he lived in Thailand where he was home schooled by his parents.

He is also taking classes at Skagit Valley College in the Running Start program. When he graduates from high school, he hopes to have 56 college credits.

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