The process of preparing for and applying to college can be extremely daunting for high school students, however, College Board’s BigFuture program guides teens through the process and even offers life-changing incentives. 
 
On Thursday, March 24th, Good Morning America, who has partnered with College Board’s BigFuture, announced 25 students who have each been selected to receive a $40,000 college scholarship – Westminster High School’s very own, Cecilia Tran being one of them! 
 
The College Board’s BigFuture program offers tools that aim to help students build a college list, prepare for the SAT, complete their FAFSA application, and apply for college. Typically, each month, BigFuture grants hundreds of $500 scholarships and two $40,000 scholarships to students who complete one or more of those steps. GMA, however, contributed $1 million in scholarship money to reward 23 additional students this month.
 
Cecilia Tran, senior at Westminster High School, tuned into Good Morning America’s feature through a Zoom call in her first period class – she was shocked by the unbelievable news. She notes that it all “seems unreal, $40k is a lot!” 
 
Cecilia is involved in Westminster’s Peer Tutoring program and is in the business pathway where students create and operate a mock company. Her passion, however, is in science. She is a member of the WHS MERITS program that integrates math, science and technology. After high school graduation, she will be attending California State University, Long Beach and will study Biochemistry. Eventually, her hope is to become a medical lab scientist. “I am excited to be able to specialize in what I want to do,” says Cecilia. The Huntington Beach Union High School District congratulates Cecilia on the gift of a lifetime, and expresses sincere gratitude to The College Board and Good Morning America.