Story by Bella DeCoursey

In an incredible accomplishment, Discovery High School senior, Zoe Kaylor, has received a full-ride scholarship to Davidson College in Davidson, North Carolina, through the highly competitive QuestBridge National College Match program. This prestigious award will allow Kaylor to pursue higher education at one of the nation’s top liberal arts colleges, offering both a challenging academic environment and a vibrant campus life.

The QuestBridge National College Match connects high-achieving, low-income students with leading colleges and universities. Kaylor’s scholarship journey began in June 2024 when she first began the extensive application process. After several months of writing essays, compiling personal and financial information, and working closely with one of her teachers, Mrs. Greenwald, Kaylor submitted her application. She faced numerous challenges along the way, particularly when it came to gathering the necessary financial documents.

“The most difficult part for me was filling out the CSS Profile and ensuring all my financial information was correct,” Kaylor explained. “That period of gathering bank statements and documents was stressful. Also, writing my main essay, which was very personal, brought its own set of challenges.”

Kaylor’s perseverance paid off when she was named a finalist in October. The application process continued through several rounds, including submitting additional materials to her top college choices: Duke University, Davidson College, Vanderbilt University, and the University of Virginia. On December 2nd, Match Day, Kaylor learned that she had been matched with Davidson College. Out of the 25,000 applicants to the program, only 7,000 were chosen as finalists, and just 2,600 received scholarships.

“I had been checking my email all day, and when I saw the results, my hands were shaking,” Kaylor recalled. “I was on the floor of my room, and when I opened the email and saw the word ‘Congratulations,’ I couldn’t believe it. I was matched with Davidson, and I just stared at the screen for a good ten minutes. I called my mom, and she started crying, and then I called my friends. It was such an overwhelming moment.”

For Kaylor, this scholarship represents much more than just financial support; it marks the realization of a dream and alters her perception of her future. Raised by a single mother with a younger sibling, Kaylor had always been uncertain about her ability to attend college due to financial concerns. However, the QuestBridge scholarship has given her a sense of hope and belief in her future.

“This scholarship has shown me that I am capable of more than I realized,” she shared. “It proved to me that I should be proud of my achievements and that I can do anything I set my mind to. I want to show people that your background doesn’t define you, and with hard work, anything is possible.”

Kaylor credits much of her success to the support she received throughout the application process. “Mrs. Greenwald was my biggest supporter and the one who introduced me to this scholarship,” Kaylor said. “Ms. Arditti, Mr. Escamilla, and especially my mom have also been there for me when things got tough. I am incredibly grateful for their encouragement and belief in me.”

As she prepares to move to Davidson, Kaylor is excited about the next chapter of her life. While the college is located just under an hour from Discovery High School, its small campus and tight-knit community promise a unique college experience.

“I’m really looking forward to living on campus and getting to know new people,” she said. “Davidson offers a quiet college life, but it’s close enough to Charlotte that I can also enjoy the city. I can’t wait to see how I’ll fit into campus life and take advantage of all the opportunities it offers.”

Kaylor’s journey to this point is an inspiring example of resilience, determination, and the power of education. She has not only earned a life-changing scholarship but also proven to herself that with hard work and the right support, she can achieve her dreams. As she heads off to Davidson College, there’s no doubt that Zoe Kaylor is just getting started.