In the final competition of her high school career, Anna Mkandawire earned top prizes at the 13th NAACP National Convention, held in Atlantic City, New Jersey from July 14-20. The recent OUFSD graduate won a five-figure scholarship, and took home two gold medals for her science research project in the NAACP's Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO).Her project, which is part of the renowned Ossining High School Science Research Program, was among the 40 best.
She also took home gold in the Earth and Space Sciences category, which earned her $2,000 and a set of AirPods, an iPad, and a laptop.
ACT-SO is a yearlong achievement program designed to recruit, stimulate, and encourage high academic and cultural achievement among African-American high school students. ACT-SO includes 33 competitions in STEM, humanities, business, and performing, visual and culinary arts.
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“This remarkable recognition highlights the quality of our diverse students and district,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ray Sanchez. “To earn these awards at a national competition is simply outstanding, and I’m very proud of Anna and what she has achieved with her research project.”
While earning two gold medals and some top-notch tech might seem like the highlight of the event, the showstopping moment came when actress Lupita Nyong’o surprisingly took to the stage to announce recipients of the “Write Her Future” scholarship, a writing competition to which Ms. Mkandawire also submitted. Amid cheers from unsuspecting fans, Nyong’o informed each winner by name that they just won a $10,000 scholarship. The excitement in the room was palpable as students were still reeling from Nyong’o’s presence.
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“It was shocking, I didn’t have time to process the fact that I just won a $10,000 scholarship,” Ms. Mkandawire said of meeting the ‘Black Panther’ actress. “I was more excited about going up on stage to meet her. I was awestruck, it felt like a dream.”
Ms. Mkandawire, who is originally from Malawi, Africa, said that she always felt connected to Nyong’o, who’s homeland is nearby Kenya.
The scholarship will alleviate tuition costs and aid with studying abroad, allowing Ms. Mkandawire to focus on her studies.
“It really bridges the gap for a low-income student such as myself to be able to pursue what I want during my collegiate career,” she said.
Ms. Mkandawire will be studying at the University of Virginia this fall.
