Local student awarded national Posse Foundation scholarship

Aryan Singh, a senior at Summit K2 High School in El Cerrito, has been named a Posse Scholar, earning him a four-year, full tuition scholarship to Boston University. The Posse Foundation is a renowned college access and youth leadership program in the United States that identifies and trains incredible young leaders and supports them in attending top colleges and universities across the country.

“An overwhelming amount of happiness and energy burst through me,” Aryan described the moment he heard the news. “You always hear that hard work pays off, but this showed me that dedication and consistency really does matter.”

Aryan immigrated to the United States from India when he was 11 years old. He recognized the transition to the education system in the U.S. as a difficult one, noting “the social aspect was hard. I changed my personality to fit in. I realized I was ruining my own experience.” When he began at Summit K2 high school, he was faced with needing to repeat the 9th grade. This did not deter Aryan from succeeding.

At Summit K2, Aryan worked hard to not only achieve academically but to stand out as a student leader. He became a passionate member of the K2 Social Justice club, where he led a project supporting food cart vendors in his local community throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Developing purpose, agency, and empathy are some of the skills Summit K2 emphasizes and teaches as Habits of Success, a core component of their educational model. Mark Rizkallah, Summit K2’s Dean of Culture and Inclusion, nominated Aryan for the Posse scholarship because he proved himself to be “an advocate who is always thinking about how to make the community better and about how to make his classroom better.” At Boston University, Aryan plans to continue his social justice work, as well as pursue an engineering degree.

In reflecting on his high school experience, Aryan credits his math teacher, Joanna Wisniewski, for helping him achieve his goals. “Ms. Jojo was more than a mentor,” he said, “she has really helped me to get on the right path.” Summit K2’s mentoring program and culture provides a unique opportunity for students to consistently connect with teachers year after year, creating an authentic and impactful support system. “He thoroughly deserves this incredible scholarship as but one of many indicators of his academic promise and worldly compassion for the well-being and success of his community, both here in the Bay Area and on the horizon on the East Coast,” Ms. Wisniewski commented, “I am absolutely thrilled for Aryan and his future at Boston University.”

With sincere gratitude and pride, Aryan thanked his support system at home and at Summit K2 for being there every step of the way. “Since I was young, my parents have pushed me to excel in anything I do,” Aryan said, “my mom never failed to provide me with unconditional support and anything I needed.” As for the application process, “Mr. Riz and our principal Cynthia helped me get ready for the interview,” Aryan said, “they talked through questions to look out for, my posture, even the presence I bring.” Aryan is the second Summit K2 student to receive this honor.

Summit K2 is a free, public middle and high school in El Cerrito, California. To learn more or enroll, visit their website.

By Aida Villarreal-Licona