Student earns a million dollars in scholarships, 50 college acceptances

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) — Going to a dream school without financial burden will not be an issue for 17-year-old Jakelia Baker. 

The senior at Lucy C. Laney High School is leading her class as valedictorian. She has earned more than a million dollars worth of scholarships. Plus, she’s gotten more than 50 college acceptance letters.

Jakelia Baker has put in countless hours applying to colleges and for scholarships no matter the location.

“My momma kept me on track,” said Jakelia Baker, Laney High School student. “We would use weekends, and sometimes when I was at games I would be doing college applications.”

Jakelia already knows where she wants to go to school, but it’s a secret for now. 

“No, ma’am, no one is going to know until Friday.” Jakelia said. 

During Jakelia’s four years at Laney, her hard work has not gone unnoticed around the school. “She does everything to the best of her ability, and she exceeds the standards in everything that she does,” said Douglas Jackson, assistant principal. 

Aside from mastering academics, Jakelia is a five-sport athlete and juggles several extracurricular activities while maintaining a 4.1 GPA. 

“Basketball, volleyball, golf, tennis, soccer and then I have math team, academic decathlon, national honor society, student council.” 

The list goes on. Although she smiles, there were many sacrifices Jakelia had to go through. 

“I couldn’t hang out with my friends or I would miss out on parties or other opportunities, and I would have challenges at school,” Jakelia said.

Denise Baker, Jakelia’s mom, noted other challenges. “People telling her what she can’t be, that her standards are too high. I’m proud! I’m proud to see how she’s overcome that.” 

Whatever Jakelia decides, she is looking to carry that same momentum into college. “I’m going to major in biochemistry. I think my career field that I want do is clinic research.”