HIGH POINT, N.C., Aug. 12, 2015 – High Point University has awarded freshman Dominya’ Donahue of High Point with the university’s First Generation Scholarship. She is one of two new local high school graduates to receive the four-year scholarship this year.
The First Generation Scholarship covers full tuition, fees and books. HPU awards the scholarships annually to Guilford County Schools graduates from High Point who are the first in their family to pursue a college degree. This is the sixth year HPU has awarded the scholarships to area high school students.
“Once I received this scholarship, it felt like a weight was lifted off my shoulders and it gave me hope,” says Donahue. “I am now able to walk around with my head held high because I know that I am doing something positive for myself.”
“This scholarship is important to our family because it gives Dominya the opportunity to achieve her goals and reach her dreams,” says Dawn Pierson, Dominya’s mother.
Donahue, who graduated from High Point Central High School, stayed involved at school volunteering at annual blood drives, taking on the role of yearbook editor and playing softball.
With a major in biology and a minor in Spanish, Donahue plans to become a doctor.
“This scholarship is giving me the opportunity to follow my dreams of being a pediatrician, and with this scholarship that may come true,” says Donahue.
Donahue hopes that this will have a positive impact for not just her, but her family as well.
“This allows me to be a positive role model for my younger brother, because I want him to know that despite what we go through in life, if you stay focused you can accomplish anything you set your mind to,” says Donahue.
In addition to receiving the First Generation Scholarship, Donahue was selected to be a member of the HPU Bonner Leader Program where she will volunteer 200 hours of community service to the city of High Point each year.
Kayla Mitchell, a graduate of Penn Griffin School for the Arts, is also the recipient of this year’s First Generation Scholarship.