“I was in shock; I didn’t know what to think,” said Jefferson Cunnin (’23) in response to being awarded the POSSE Scholarship, “I called my parents right away. My dad cried when he found out, I had never seen him cry before.”

Living just a few blocks from Cristo Rey most of his life, Jefferson never could have imagined the educational opportunities he would be given through Cristo Rey. Jefferson has been awarded the POSSE Scholarship, a full tuition scholarship with support from a group of diverse and educated peers during college enrollment. To be granted this opportunity, Jefferson had to exhibit exceptional leadership skills and be a role model to those around him. Recognizing his potential, Cristo Rey college counselors nominated him for the award. Jefferson commented: “Without the college counselors telling me about it, I would have never known.”

Jefferson will be attending Macalester College in St. Paul this coming fall and is interested in pursuing a degree in Economics or Mathematics. He would love to one day start his own business. Jefferson said about Cristo Rey’s support: “This school has always driven me to get new skills. Before, I felt limited, but now I have opportunities.”