Deerfield Student Wins $40K College Scholarship

DEERFIELD, IL — Cellestine Harig, of Deerfield, will soon be starting school this fall at the University of Chicago. The Culver Academies graduate will have a little financial help as a recipient of a GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship.

Harig is one of 10 nationwide high school graduates who will receive $10,000 per year for up to four years toward college expenses, according to a news release. The students were recognized last month at a celebration at the Reagan Library in Simi Valley, California.

A "passion to combat food insecurity around the world" led Harig to create Harp for Hope, according to the news release. Through the initiative, she uses music to raise money and awareness for the local community. Donations currently provide food for 52 children annually.

Throughout the pandemic, Harig has found creative ways to fundraise for Harp for Hope, including Zoom events and private lessons. Through those endeavors, she found a passion for teaching.

"Her action-oriented approach empowers others to seek sustainable outcomes," the news release reads. "Cellestine credits her inspiration for service leadership to her faith. She hopes to combine the studies of mathematics and behavioral economics in order to influence policy changes that will encourage both communities and individuals to make choices for the betterment of all."

Over the last 12 years, the scholarship program has awarded $8.2 million to 205 students from 41 states, who are attending 113 undergraduate campuses.