Nine Sequoyah Schools seniors recently received notification that they are finalists in the Gates Millennium Scholarship competition.  If awarded, each student will receive an all-expense paid scholarship to the college of their choice for the next ten years, or through a doctoral program. 

"With each passing year at Sequoyah, I am continually amazed at the drive that the students possess in their quest for success," said Augusta Smith, Sequoyah Schools' college prep class teacher.  "The senior class set a scholarship goal this year, and are working very hard to reach that goal.  They have set the bar high for future classes. To say that I am proud of them is an understatement."

The finalists are Deanna Adair, Lindsey Hammer, Christian Hummingbird, Keathen Kingfisher, Tiffany Knox, Megan Larney, Danetta Ross, Terence Scraper, and Emily Turner.

"Getting the Gates scholarship means a lot to me," said Danetta Ross.  "The application process was very hard, very tedious, but it will be worth it all, if I get it."

The Gates Millennium Scholarship is a scholarship awarded to minority students who show outstanding academic achievements, commitment to community service, and strong leadership abilities. Based on their grade point averages, 27 Sequoyah Schools seniors applied for the scholarship.  Nine were chosen as finalists and the winners will be announced on or around April 15.  Sequoyah has had 34 Gates Millennium Scholars over the past years, with eight being the record for the most that Sequoyah has ever had in one year, set by the class of 2008.