DUPLIN COUNTY, NC (WITN) – A high school student in eastern North Carolina received a surprise scholarship on Wednesday.

Amirah Loveless is a junior at James Kenan High School in Duplin County and received a scholarship from BigFuture with the College Board. This scholarship consisted of a check for $40,000 that was presented to her in front of all her peers.

“I didn’t know I was going to get this,” Loveless said. “I didn’t know I was going to get this when I went to the website. I just thought this was something they had planned and would come back to later.”

Loveless logged into the portal and started thinking about her future. She says her teacher talked to her about it, and that’s why she decided to fill out the career plans. “I was there, and it was like planning my future. I know I want to be a nurse, and I also think I want to join the military after I graduate.”

Loveless was not alone when she learned of the scholarship, as her parents sat with other faculty members at the side of the gym, cheering her on.

“I thought she got the $500 scholarship,” said Kimberly Rose, Loveless’ mother. “When they said $40,000, I thought, ‘Wow.'”

Loveless will continue her education and has a bright future ahead of her. Brian Barnes of the College Board says seeing her smile and students choosing their path makes his work worthwhile.

“Amirah was the needle in the haystack,” Barnes said. “She pulled out the right one, and I’m happy to help her.”

The College Board is a platform that helps students navigate college applications, school, and other academic challenges. Every month, two people in the United States receive the $40,000 scholarship, while hundreds receive the $500 scholarship. In total, 24 scholarships totaling $40,000 are awarded throughout the year.

So far, only two scholarships have been awarded. The first was in Charlotte and now in Duplin County.

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