Hillcrest High School senior Sasha Sledge has been awarded a $2,000 scholarship from the National Alliance of Black School Educators (NABSE) in recognition of her leadership, academic commitment, and future aspirations.
Sledge learned about the scholarship opportunity through her Google Classroom and decided to apply after encouragement from her family. The application required students to reflect on leadership—an experience that pushed her to be thoughtful and authentic in her response.
“I didn’t want to just write what I thought they wanted to hear,” Sledge said. “I really wanted to be honest about who I am and what makes me a leader.”
Sledge was recognized at an in-person scholarship ceremony, where she officially learned the scholarship amount, which will be applied toward her future college tuition.
A four-year Hillcrest student, Sledge has played tennis for five years, including all four years of high school, and hopes to continue competing at the collegiate level. She is currently exploring college options while completing recruitment questionnaires for tennis programs.
She plans to pursue diagnostic medical sonography with an interest in women’s health and is also considering a second major in digital media, with hopes of incorporating creative storytelling through podcasting.
As graduation approaches, Sledge reflects fondly on her time at Hillcrest.
“I’m definitely going to miss some of my teachers, counselors, and friends,” she said. “Hillcrest is a family legacy for me—my mom, brother, and uncle all went here.”
Hillcrest High School and Bremen High School District 228 proudly congratulate Sasha Sledge on this outstanding achievement and wish her continued success as she begins the next chapter of her academic journey.