Two Guilford Seniors Win Full-Ride QuestBridge College Scholarships

College expenses will be covered the next four years for two Guilford High School seniors – including tuition and fees, room and board, books, supplies, and travel – through the QuestBridge College Match Scholarship.

Anju Griffeth and Caleb Bondzi were named QuestBridge College Match Scholarship Recipients last week. Anju will attend Stanford University, and Caleb will attend Boston College. They are two of 1,674 scholarship applicants admitted to 45 partner colleges and universities through QuestBridge and granted a full, four-year scholarship worth over $200,000 each. College partners use a combination of their own funds, plus state and federal aid to fund the scholarship.

Anju and Caleb were the only two Guilford students to apply for the scholarship match program. Students choose as many as 12 prestigious colleges to apply.

They both learned they won last Wednesday, Dec. 1, in seventh period with an email that included colorful confetti and the message, “Congratulations!”

“My mind just went blank,” Caleb said. “Everything kind of stopped for a second, followed by a moment of pure joy.” 

Friends took video of Anju crying right after learning of her confirmation. “I’m going to Stanford, I’m going to Stanford,” she recalled. “And I still don’t think it’s real.” 

Anju is interested in pursuing a career in the medical field. Students are admitted to Stanford University as undeclared majors. Caleb will attend the Robert J. Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences at Boston College with an interest in a double major in political science and computer science. 

“This is an incredible opportunity for Anju and Caleb, and it’s outstanding for Guilford to have two students matched to such prestigious colleges,” said Guilford High School Principal Gus Carter. “I am looking forward to the rest of their senior year and to watch them unlock their potential as young adults.” 

More about QuestBridge

The national nonprofit connects the nation’s most exceptional, low-income youth with leading colleges and opportunities. QuestBridge aims to increase the percentage of talented low-income students attending the nation’s best colleges and to support them to achieve success in their careers and communities.  

“The achievements of our Match Scholarship Recipients are a culmination of their hard work and perseverance,” said Ana McCullough, Co-Founder and CEO of QuestBridge. “Thanks to the commitment of our college partners, these deserving students can tap into their full potential without worrying about the cost of a great education.”