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Coral Glades Senior Awarded Prestigious $10,000 Scholarship

by Guest Contributor May 7, 2020

by Guest Contributor May 7, 2020 1 minutes read

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Kristopher Wallen

By Jill Fox

A Coral Springs student was one of more than 4,000 applicants to receive a prestigious $10,000 college scholarship.

Senior Kristopher Wallen, 18, of Coral Glades High School, was one of 24 finalists to be named Ron Brown Scholars in the nation’s leading scholarship program for African-American youth.

Scholars were selected based on demonstrated academic excellence, leadership potential, social commitment, and financial need. In addition to his academic success, Wallen is the president of the debate team and the vice president of the key club at Coral Glades and will graduate on June 18.

Born in Miami, Wallen, 18, moved to Coral Springs when he was eight-years-old. His mother, Monique Lynch, is a teacher at Sawgrass Elementary, and his older sister, Madison, attends Broward College.

Wallen said, he is not really enjoying distance learning, but understands it’s what has to be done.

Although the semi-finalists for the scholarship program typically travel to Washington, D.C., for in-person interviews, this year, that was not an option. Due to COVID-19, 2020, applicants met with members of the alumni and other program volunteers over Zoom.

Wallen said he was disappointed and definitely feels like he’s missing out on other traditional senior year events, but knowing some people have it much worse puts things into perspective.

He will attend Emory University in the fall to study political science and history. At present, Wallen is planning a career in law or political advocacy.

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