De’Janae Phillips, a resident of Humboldt Park, has been awarded the $10,000 Horatio Alger State Scholarship. This award is given to outstanding young people pursuing increased opportunities through higher education in spite of adversity. “This scholarship award means so much to me because it recognizes not only the hard work I’ve put into my academic studies but also the personal barriers I’ve overcome to achieve my goals,” says De’Janae.

In addition to this award, De’Janae was named a 2018 Cubs Scholar this past summer. Launched in 2013, the Cubs Scholar program offers a team-sponsored mentorship program, academic support through Chicago Scholars, plus a four-year college scholarship of $20,000.

A senior at Holy Trinity High School, De’Janae is also actively involved in Big Brothers Big Sisters, HighSight and the Few Initiative Ambassador program in addition to holding a number of leadership roles in school clubs, including directing the Gospel Choir and Black Student Union.