Louisiana teen earns almost $1 million in scholarships from 13 colleges

Cur’Dericka Rice has made headlines after receiving nearly $1 million in scholarships from 13 universities. Named valedictorian, Rice earned a 4.0 GPA and a 33 on the ACT before graduating from Richwood High School.

She told KNOE, “Walking into college, goals that I have are just to keep my head on straight and continue to make the people around me proud. But, as far as academics, I’m just up for the challenge because I’m ready to be challenged, and do the best that I can.” 

The teen attributes her academic achievement to her parents and teacher’s encouragement. She received scholarships from schools like Louisiana State University, Loyola University of New Orleans, and the University of Monroe.

The proud graduate expressed her excitement about overcoming the many obstacles that come with attending college.

She has decided to enroll at Louisiana Tech University in the fall of 2024 amid her desire to reduce the effects of pollution. She intends to major in chemical engineering.

Rice encouraged others not to give up, saying “Even if you don’t think it’s possible, you should still strive to excel and go beyond whatever the goal may be, because you never know what you can do. If you doubt yourself and count yourself out you won’t even be able to live up to that potential because you didn’t even try.”