Jordan-Matthews senior is scholarship winner

Posted Friday, March 14, 2008

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Siler City, NC - Like most high school seniors, Jordan-Matthews student Jakelin Bonilla has a big decision to make — where to attend college. But her choice between NC State and UNC-Chapel Hill has just gotten tougher, since she recently was notified that she has been awarded major scholarships at both schools.

Bonilla has been chosen as both a Park Scholar at NC State and a Pogue Scholar at UNC-Chapel Hill.

The Park Scholarship is four-year scholarship of $62,000 for in-state residents that covers tuition, fees, room and board, books, supplies, travel and personal expenses.

The Pogue Scholarship provides a renewable award of $7,500 for N.C. recipients.

“Both opportunities offer me a chance to study in a place where I can achieve my goals with a lot of support,” said Bonilla. “Since that is the main thing I’ve been looking for in a school, it makes the choice especially hard.”

Active in both school and community organizations, Jakelin has been a leader in the youth group at her church, El Camino, as well as a mentor for middle school students with Service Corps. And reflecting on her high school activities, she is proudest of her accomplishments in DECA. But it’s been more than just winning a state championship in the Creative Marketing Project event with her partner, Claire Austin.

“DECA has helped me learn how to present myself and communicate with all kinds of people, said Bonilla.

“We are excited for Jakelin and all the opportunities she has earned,” said Jordan-Matthews principal Norma Boone. “I’m sure she’ll have a tremendous impact not only on whatever campus she chooses, but on her future community as well.”

Bonilla is the daughter of Delmy and Oswaldo Contreras of Siler City, and plans to study political science — whether she ends up wearing Wolfpack red or Tarheel blue.