At least three colleges offered full-ride scholarships to 14-year-old Zaila Avant-garde after becoming the first black champion of the Scripps National Spelling Bee last week.
The Louisiana Community and Technical College System offered the teenager full tuition to any tech institution within the state on Friday.
“In celebration of her incredible performance at the National Spelling Bee, LCTCS is proud to offer Zaila Avant-garde a full scholarship to any Louisiana community and technical college,” the group wrote. “We believe our programs, such as aerospace technology, would be a great fit for you.”
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Similarly, William Tate IV, the president of Louisiana State University, on Saturday vowed to offer the Avant-garde the same.
“Zaila Avant-garde @basketballasart performed at the highest level in the National Spelling Bee,” the college boss wrote in a tweet. “Your academic performance reflected scholarship first! You modeled intellectual excellence. @LSU_Honors awaits. I write to offer you a full scholarship to attend LSU. Here for you!”
Southern University and A&M College, which bills itself as a historically black institution, offered her a full scholarship and vowed to create “Zaila Day” in the teenager’s honor.
“I am pleased to announce that @Southernu_BR is offering #ZailaAvantgarde a full scholarship and “#Zaila Day” at SU, part of the nation’s only #HBCU system,” Ray Belton, the school’s president, revealed on Saturday. “Our student leaders, faculty, and alumni look forward [to] meeting with you. We welcome you to the #JaguarNation! #WeAreSouthern”
Avant-garde won the word contest on Thursday in the 18th round after she correctly spelled “murraya.” The event was initially postponed due to COVID-19 concerns.
The first champion from Louisiana, #Speller133 Zaila Avant-garde wins the Scripps Cup! #SpellingBee #TheBeeIsBack pic.twitter.com/YqjYKt7R2q
— Scripps National Spelling Bee (@ScrippsBee) July 9, 2021
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Avant-garde, who holds multiple Guinness World Records for her basketball abilities, was congratulated by former President Barack Obama in the aftermath of her victory.
“Three Guinness World Records and now the national spelling bee champ! Congrats, Zaila — your hard work is paying off. We’re all proud of you,” the 44th president wrote in a tweet.
