Local student surprised with WashU Pledge scholarship
WashU Pledge covers tuition, board for admitted Pell-eligible students from Missouri, southern Illinois.
On Dec. 12, 707 high school seniors received electronic notification they been admitted early decision to Washington University in St. Louis.
But Zussy Chavira Duron of St. Louis got the good news straight from a team of Washington University leaders and the WashU Bear, who surprised her at College Bound St. Louis with an acceptance letter and a full WashU Pledge scholarship.
“I can’t believe this is happening,” whispered Chavira Duron while hugging her mother. She then turned to Emily Almas, assistant vice provost and director of admissions, and said, “I am so thankful.”
“You deserve this,” Almas responded. “You did all of the hard work — the studying, the essays, the application. We are so happy to welcome you to Washington University.”
Chavira Duron is among the first students to receive a scholarship through the WashU Pledge, which provides a free undergraduate education to admitted Missouri and southern Illinois students who are Pell Grant-eligible or from families with annual incomes of $75,000 or less. The WashU Pledge covers the cost of a Washington University education, including tuition, room, board and fees.