Angel Wiley, a North Atlanta High School senior, has earned the Posse Scholarship, a life-changing opportunity that grants students full rides to various colleges across the country. This scholarship is not only a personal milestone for Wiley, but is an inspiration to many students striving for excellence in academics. As a community leader, honor roll student, and involved in multiple extracurricular activities, Wiley has worked hard to achieve this scholarship, getting a full ride to his dream school, Boston University. The process of applying and getting accepted has equipped Wiley with the tools to make a lasting impact on the world.
The Posse Foundation believes that it is important to cultivate diverse leaders who can work well with others and put their best foot forward to change social problems in the world. The organization was established in 1989, changing the lives of many high school students and giving them the foundation to go far in the world. However, it is very competitive, and thousands of students apply every year, getting weeded out by rigorous interviews, group activities, and leadership assessments. The lucky few who get selected for the scholarship gain support throughout college forming a community that provides access to internship and leadership workshops opportunities. Wiley said, “The application was lengthy, just like any other college supplemental, but it was worth it.”
Angel Wiley went to Lindley Middle School, and he didn’t have the same dedication to academics that he has now. He never completed his homework and let his grades drop, doing nothing but playing video games. However, his mindset changed when he arrived at North Atlanta, starting to focus on expanding his mind and working on his music career. Wiley is in IB CP while balancing multiple clubs, Advance Chorus, ESports, and Future Business Leaders of America. During his free time, he volunteers at basketball camps for kids and talent shows. Wiley said, “I did more outside of school, like music and basketball, which took up most of my time.”
Wiley began applying for the Posse Scholarship at the start of his senior year, along with many of his classmates, and it was a challenging but rewarding process. He was introduced to the program by Mr. Robinson over the summer. The selection process was intense, and it took many grueling hours of interviews and group activities. There are three nontraditional interviews, one with hundreds of students being told problems and expected to have a solution. The second one is two with trainers, asking questions about yourself and what school you are interested in, and the third one is similar to the first one, yet fewer people. Wiley said, “My biggest advice is to be yourself as they want to see your honest self.”
Wiley will be attending Boston University as a Film and Television major in the fall. With the Posse Scholarship, he has not only secured an education, but a future full of possibilities and community support.
