Plainfield Student Named a 2016 Alexander Hamilton Scholar

PLAINFIELD, IL — – Plainfield East High School senior Alia Kabba has been named a 2016 Alexander Hamilton Scholar.

Alexander Hamilton Scholars is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving Alexander Hamilton’s legacy by giving high school seniors tools to succeed in college and in life.

Kabba is one of about 40 students nationwide named 2016 Scholars. Hamilton Scholars are chosen based on their achievement, service and financial and/or personal need.

Hamilton Scholars must attend annual seminars that focus on transition, heritage, financial literacy, empowerment and leadership. Mentors guide participants through the program and into college.

The leadership experience was one of the reasons the 17 year old said she applied for the award which also includes a $500 scholarship.

Kabba plans to attend Purdue University’s Polytechnic Institute to study engineering. She’s already involved in a variety of activities at Plainfield East High School and has logged more than 500 hours volunteering in the community.

But Kabba said she hopes the scholars program will help her mentor girls and encourage them to get into science, technology, engineering and math or STEM fields.

“I think the scholarship will help me succeed and be a better person,” Kabba said.

Her mother, Edith Cline-Kabba also is excited about the leadership component especially because her daughter could travel abroad to places such as Guatemala for service work.

“It will give her a chance to see how different things are compared to what she has,” Cline-Kabba said.

Kabba’s hard work, personal drive and exceptional character exemplifies what it means to be a PEHS Bengal, said Principal Joe O’Brien.

Kabba was inducted last year into the National Honors Society and the French National Honors Society. She also founded the school’s DIY Club and is involved in Key Club among other activities.

“Her commitment to service, leadership, and academic excellence will be on constant display as she embraces the unique opportunity of being named a Hamilton Scholar,” he said.

Submitted by Plainfield School District 202. Photo courtesy of Plainfield School District 202.