An eighth grader from Missouri was awarded a full-ride scholarship to an HBCU for "his tenacity." When Xavier Jones walked 6 miles to make it to his eighth grade graduation, administrators at Harris-Stowe State University were extremely moved by his dedication. So once he graduates from high school in four years, he won't have to worry about paying for college.
The teen shared that he was stuck without a ride to his graduation ceremony, which was held at the HBCU's campus, after his grandfather's car broke down at the last minute. “I looked up Harris-Stowe University on Google Maps, and then I saw the walking distance,” he shared. "And then I said, ‘I could probably make it.'” He was accompanied on the walk by his brother and a friend.
The president of Howard-Stowe, Dr. Latonia Collins Smith, says Xavier's tenacity is an example for everyone to follow. “I just led with my heart,” she shared. “I followed my heart, and my heart said, 'This is a kid that needs a scholarship.'”
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The scholarship will cover his tuition, fees, and books. “If you want something done,” Xavier says, “you gotta go ahead and do it yourself.”
