Jackson High School Senior Wins National Honors Society Scholarship

Alina De Zoysa, a senior at Jackson Memorial High School from Jackson, as been selected as a finalist and winner of a $5,625 National Honors Society Scholarship out of nearly 10,000 applicants.

De Zoysa’s accomplishments, including serving as president of her school’s NHS chapter, Science National Honor Society, and local Girls Who Code, and completing her Girl Scout Gold Award project focusing on the importance of providing young girls within her community and across the nation with early access education to computer science. made her a clear choice, NHS said in a press release. Additionally, “De Zoysa channeled the loss of her mother into decreasing racial disparities in healthcare, and successfully lobbied the New Jersey state government to stop lunch shaming,” it reads.

For 100 years, we have recognized our outstanding students for their hard work and dedication to their communities,” said NASSP CEO Ronn Nozoe. “In the midst of a global pandemic that has disrupted almost all facets of everyday life, it’s inspiring and uplifting to see the incredible work of our students who strive each day to make sure their communities are a better place for all. We’re so proud that we can invest in Alina’s future and the other talented and compassionate leaders.”

NHS is awarding $2 million in scholarships to 600 high school seniors this year based on their demonstrated work to support the four pillars of NHS membership: scholarship, service, leadership, and character. While 575 semifinalists receive $3,200 scholarships, the 24 finalists receive $5,625.