Seniors Crystal Analco Morales and McAlvin Juasemai received full-ride, four-year college scholarships and leadership training

Congratulations to Fridley High School seniors Crystal Analco Morales and McAlvin Juasemai, who are the district’s first Act Six scholarship recipients! Act Six provides a full-ride scholarship that includes room and board, as well as leadership training and support, over four years. The program aims to develop emerging, diverse student leaders who are academically gifted and service-minded into transformational leaders on their college campuses. 

As Act Six scholars, Analco Morales and Juasemai are currently engaged in six months of leadership training alongside fellow students from across the State of Minnesota. Analco Morales will be attending Concordia College-Moorhead to pursue a degree in nursing, and Juasemai will be attending University of Northwestern-St. Paul to pursue a degree in computer science. 

Selected after an intensive application and interview process, both Analco Morales and Juasemai are eager to further their leadership skills and ultimately give back to their surrounding communities and college campuses.  

Juasemai, who is Liberian, said he is excited to serve as a representative for his ethnic background and culture, as well as empower students who look like him to pursue the field of computer science. His father, Alvin, has been his role model since he was young and has always encouraged and supported him in his interests in computer science and information technology (IT).  

“I’ve grown up around technology and working on computers with my dad when he has free time at home,” said Juasemai. “I’ve always had a love and drive for technology, and I can’t wait to use this opportunity to do something progressive in life, not only for myself, but to help others in the future.” 

Juasemai plans on taking Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) classes while enrolled at the University of Northwestern, with the goal of joining the United States Air Force upon graduation. Alongside his degree, he aims to achieve an officer rank and become a pilot. 

Analco Morales, whose parents immigrated from Mexico, said she has always been determined to pursue higher education, serve in the medical field, and fulfill a lifelong goal of helping others.  

“I’m first generation, and my parents have always been committed to encouraging me,” said Analco Morales. “Not only is this scholarship helping to make my dreams come true, it’s their dreams coming true as well.” 

Analco Morales plans to obtain her degree in nursing, with the goal of leaving a positive and strong impact on those around her. “Someday, I’d love to work as a travel nurse and serve in low income places. All throughout my life, it makes me happiest to do what I can to help people.” 

Looking back at their Fridley experiences, Analco Morales and Juasemai credit the AVID* college readiness elective for allowing them to develop skills, and receive instrumental college and career guidance. Both students have been involved in the elective since 7th grade. 

“It’s taught us everything from organization, time management and collaborating with others, to exploring postsecondary options, scholarships and opportunities,” said Juasemai. 

“Our fellow AVID classmates are like a family,” added Analco Morales. “We share in each other’s successes, go through rough times together, and see each other grow. It’s been life-changing to be a part of this.” 

Both students said they feel like they are a step ahead because of their experiences growing up among the vast racial, socioeconomic and culturally diverse student body at Fridley Schools. Analco Morales and Juasemai also gave praise to the rigorous International Baccalaureate (IB) programs that they have had the opportunity to participate in. Both are graduating as IB Scholars, as they have completed more than four IB Diploma Programme courses. 

Analco Morales and Juasemai are grateful to AVID and Language and Literature teacher Elizabeth Jensen and Get Ready Pathways Coordinator Matt Kiefer for their tremendous support throughout the Act Six application process.

“During every single phase, both Ms. Jensen and Mr. Kiefer were guiding and supporting us in every way they could,” said Juasemai. 

“It’s been so invaluable to have Mr. Kiefer as a resource," said Analco Morales. "His support is one of the top reasons that I received this scholarship.”

Analco Morales would like to thank her parents, Rosalia and Jesus, as well as her older brother, Jesus Jr., for their support and encouragement. Juasemai would like to thank both his parents, Alvin and Janneh. 

*AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is an academic support program that prepares students for college eligibility and success. Fridley students are now eligible to begin taking the class in 6th grade at Fridley Middle School. Since the program’s inception in 2015, all graduating students have been accepted to a two- or four-year university.