Newark Teen Earns Harvard Scholarship, Plans Future As Scientist

NEWARK, NJ — According to Malcolm X Shabazz High School senior Kim Boerrigter, her mother’s support is one of the factors that contributed to her full scholarship to Harvard. But the school’s 2017 valedictorian also knows that hard work and a love for learning was just as important to getting her a huge jump on her dream of becoming a “scientist who is a woman of color.”

A member of the school’s Aquatic Biochemistry Team and National Honor Society, Boerrigter – who is also captain of the cross country track team - told RLS Media that she’s a proud Newark resident who feels her upbringing has helped her to learn to overcome obstacles.

“Individuals make assumptions about Newark,” she told RLS Media. “I feel that because I’ve emerged from a particular zip code that I have to prove myself more than my counterparts… We have smart children here in Newark. We just need a few more resources and the belief that we can all succeed.”

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