A Coahulla Creek High School student got a life changing surprise Monday morning in front of hundreds of her classmates.
During a school assembly, Alana Lopez, a junior from Coahulla Creek High was at a loss for words after a representative from the BigFuture College Board presented her with a $40,000 scholarship.
"I am really excited, I feel really prepared, I don't know what to think, I'm like ahhh, It's crazy.. really surprising, shocking," said Lopez.
Lopez was one of two students nationwide who was awarded the scholarship. This was made possible after she completed a free online planning guide through BigFuture.
"We're super excited, and this is literally an answered prayer," said Elissa Lopez, Alana's mother.
“We’re just so proud of her, all I can say is wow,” said Manny Lopez, Alana's father.
“This is just great, such a blessing for her,” said Alexa Lopez, Alana's sister.
Lopez says after she graduates she plans to major in vocal performance to be an opera singer and some day a vocal teacher.
“I’ve always been a big singer, but I’ve gotten into theater and stuff and I was like oh my gosh opera is really good, so I was like this is what I want to do with my life,” said Lopez.
The BigFuture College Boards mission is to help students explore career interests, identify potential majors, find colleges and scholarships, and access financial aid.
They award two students with $40,000 scholarships each month.
They encourage students to fill out their free online planning guide's for their chance to win.
“Definitely do it and don't be afraid to follow your dreams,” said Lopez.
We wish Alana Lopez the best of luck in her future endeavors.
If you are interested in learning more about BigFuture College Board and their scholarships, click here.
