Joliet West High School is proud to announce that seniors Eseena Hamm and Hoai Anh Pham have been awarded full scholarships to prestigious universities through the QuestBridge program. Eseena matched with Dartmouth College, while Hoai matched with the University of Chicago, marking an extraordinary achievement in their academic journeys.

QuestBridge is a highly competitive program that connects high-achieving students with financial need to full scholarships at the nation’s top colleges. Out of more than 25,000 applicants, Eseena and Hoai stood out as finalists and ultimately recipients of these transformative awards.

Eseena Hamm: Aspiring Lawyer
Eseena Hamm plans to pursue a career in law and expressed her gratitude for this incredible opportunity.
"I was so happy to receive the match scholarship but also in a state of shock. I know I’ve worked hard, but I was surprised to match with an Ivy League college. Now, I’m excited to be on Dartmouth’s campus soon and connect with my future classmates. I am so grateful to God for this wonderful opportunity," she said.

Eseena highlighted the financial relief provided by the scholarship, which covers Dartmouth’s annual cost of more than $95,000.
"This scholarship allows me to attend college without the burden of student loan debt, which will help me save for law school. I look forward to fighting for justice as a lawyer in the future," she added.

Hoai Anh Pham: Future Chemical Engineer
Hoai Anh Pham, who dreams of becoming a chemical engineer, described the moment she learned the news:
"When I saw confetti on the screen, I couldn’t believe it. It took a minute to process everything because I thought I wouldn’t get matched. I immediately called my mom and explained everything in Vietnamese while jumping around excitedly," she shared.

She looks forward to the unique academic opportunities the University of Chicago provides.
"This scholarship is giving me the chance to study at one of the nation’s best academic institutions. I’m excited to explore the core curriculum and learn from renowned professors. The support from QuestBridge and UChicago will help me develop the skills and connections I need for success as I work toward my goal of earning a master’s degree in engineering," Hoai said.
The scholarship, valued at approximately $95,000 annually, provides Hoai and her family with financial peace of mind.

A Proud Moment for Joliet West
Joliet West High School celebrates the dedication, perseverance, and achievements of these two outstanding students. Their success stories highlight the power of hard work and the opportunities provided by programs like QuestBridge.

Congratulations, Eseena Hamm and Hoai Anh Pham, on this well-deserved recognition and best wishes for a bright future at Dartmouth and the University of Chicago!