He’s paying it forward!
A Missouri student earned a scholarship and is now using his savings to help another student go to college, THV11 news reports.
Joshua Nelson is a student at St. Charles West High School in St. Charles, Missouri. He is a scholar, varsity basketball player, and president of the school’s Multi-Cultural Achievement Committee, whose mission “is to encourage students of color to maximize their potential and to become college and career ready.”
As president, Nelson oversees many of their initiatives, including resume writing, interviewing skills, and workshops that teach strategies for college admission tests. Throughout high school, Nelson has been saving for college with a nest egg of $1,000. Recently, he was offered a scholarship to his top school and has now chosen to give his savings away to another student trying to attend school.
Yolanda Curry, a school counselor, said Nelson “just has a heart for people…We’re extremely proud of him.”
The 18-year-old has chosen to attend Southeast Missouri State, where he plans to major in biomedical sciences, entering into their pre-optometry program.
Nelson said he was surprised he received the President’s Scholarship. It’s valued at $43,000, all of which covers tuition and board for his four-year program.
“I was really just blown away because I was not expecting that,” he said.
The Joshua Nelson Leaders In Action Scholarship will award one student with a college scholarship, utilizing the savings Nelson already has along with donations he’s currently collecting from anyone willing to support. His peers are shocked by his good deeds, with many applauding his efforts.
“I think he’s an inspiration to some of the other people at the school, especially students of color. I don’t even think he realizes that he’s doing that much for everyone else as well,” classmate Harmony Hudson said.
“I just think it’s unbelievable what he’s doing, and it’s really exciting,” said Lea Mitchell, an 11th grader at St. Charles West.
Nelson is currently accepting scholarship applications from students and donations from supporters hoping that they will help multiply his efforts.
“I really thought it was important to give back to my community that poured in so much to me…Honestly, it makes me feel on top of the world. The fact that I can just help somebody a little bit makes me feel great, and I really want to see other people succeed,” said Nelson.
To donate online to the Joshua Nelson Leaders In Action Scholarship, click here.
All checks or money orders can be made payable to St. Charles West High School, 3601 Droste Road. St. Charles, MO 63301, Attn: Yolanda Curry. Please include *JN Scholarship* in the lower lefthand corner.
Congratulations Joshua!
Photo Courtesy of Crafty