2 D131 Students Win Prestigious Scholarships: 'A True Testament To Our City's Academic Success'

Press release from East Aurora School District 131:

AURORA, IL — The prestigious distinction was awarded to Yahir Ferreira of Fred Rodgers Magnet Academy and Taleen Kandakji of Cowherd Middle School. The Jack Kent Cooke Young Scholars Program is a highly selective, five-year pre-college scholarship awarded to exceptional seventh-grade students with financial need from across the nation. Scholars receive comprehensive academic and college advising, as well as financial support for schooling, Cooke-sponsored summer programs, internships, and additional enrichment opportunities.

“This is such an incredible honor for both Yahir and Taleen,” said Mayor John Laesch. “With fewer than 100 students recognized nationwide, having two scholars from East Aurora School District 131 is remarkable and a true testament to our City’s academic success.”

Ferreira is a high honor roll student and an active member of the National Junior Honor Society, Math Team, and band. Kandakji, who recently moved to Aurora from the Middle East, speaks four languages, maintains a perfect grade point average, and plays on Cowherd Middle School’s volleyball team.

As part of the scholarship, both students will be paired with an educational adviser who will help them develop an individualized learning plan and guide them in selecting rigorous high school coursework, preparing them to excel at top colleges across the country. Both students just returned from their first session as Jack Kent Cooke Scholars in the Washington, D.C. area.

East Aurora School District 131 congratulates Yahir and Taleen on this outstanding achievement. We are proud to continue celebrating their hard work, talent, and bright futures.

*Photographs provided courtesy of the City of Aurora.

This press release was produced by East Aurora School District 131. The views expressed here are the author’s own.