Bloom Trail High School Graduates Receive Over $10 Million in Scholarships

Bloom Trail High School in Chicago Heights graduated nearly 300 students, with an approximate total of $10.5 million in scholarships awarded among the group.

The graduation event took place Wednesday, May 24th at the Tinley Park Convention Center. The school’s graduation rate has climbed in recent years, along with recent Golden Apple Award winners and Gates Millennium Scholars crossing the stage. This year is no different as the school graduates a larger class than last year and the graduates rack up full-ride scholarships to top schools.

“Our students are the future,” said Bloom 206 Superintendent Lenell Navarre. “We as educators are proud of our Bloom Trail graduating class, and we know that they are proud of themselves. As they write the next chapter of their lives, I know I will see greatness from them. The world these young men and women enter is blessed to receive such brilliant minds.”

Among those brilliant minds is Bloom Trail Class of 2017 valedictorian Kayla Smith. Kayla’s GPA through seven semesters is 5.02. During her time at Bloom Trail, Kayla has been part of Mock Trial, Mathletes and Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, and Senior Board. She is also a member of the National Honor Society. Kayla has been accepted to the University of Notre Dame and has received a $52,000 annual scholarship. Her plan is to study business initially and go on to law school to become a corporate lawyer.

Bloom Trail’s Class of 2017 salutatorian is Anthony Rodriguez. Anthony maintained a 5.0 grade point average, while challenging himself with a course load heavy in honors and AP courses. He has been attending Prairie State College for Early College Initiative courses since his sophomore year and has earned his HVAC certification. Anthony’s bright future includes a full ride scholarship to Purdue University where he will be majoring in Computer Science with the ultimate goal of becoming a software engineer.

Also recognized during the graduation ceremony was Jelena Rowe, a star athlete, who was acknowledged for being the Illinois High School Association State High Jump champion, setting a new record with a spectacular 6'0" jump.