The surprise? Amiyah had been awarded a four-year, full-ride scholarship to Wichita State University through the Rudd Foundation. More than 700 students applied. Seventy-five were selected to interview. Only 50 receive the scholarship each year.

“I felt really good about it, and I’m very impatient, so I’ve just been waiting," Amiyah shared.

At Wichita State, Amiyah plans to study pre-med. Her mother, Kim, says that drive has always been part of who she is.

“She’s always been ambitious and hardworking,” Kim shared. “She’s even talked about finding a cure for cancer. She’s going to do great things.”

Amiyah’s Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas (JAG-K) teacher, Kylee Raigoza, even postponed a scheduled trip to Topeka to be there for the surprise hug. Joining the celebration were Amiyah’s sister and grandparents, NHS Principal Chad Nulik and assistant principal Julie Tucker, and school counselor Renee Ybarra.

Ybarra noted that Amiyah’s impact at NHS reaches far beyond the classroom. She’s involved in athletics, a member of National Honor Society, and leads a committee that welcomes new students to campus.

“Super involved kid. This is well-deserved,” Ybarra said.

Congratulations, Amiyah. #RailerPride