Ten D.C. high school seniors can rest easy after they were awarded full-ride scholarships to George Washington University.

Every year, the university awards the Stephen Joel Trachtenberg Scholarship to no more than 10 D.C. students. The scholarship covers tuition, room and board, books and fees and is intended to provide opportunities to local students.

At nine different schools across the District on Wednesday, GW President Steven Knapp, admissions staff and George the mascot presented students with acceptance letters and scholarships.

“This is my favorite day every year,” Knapp said. “With these scholarships, we are not only helping these students achieve their dreams but also sending a message across this great capital city that college is a possibility for all.”

Michael Degaga, a senior at Dunbar High School in Ward 5, is one of the 2017 recipients.

“I knew from the moment that I wanted to go to college that I had to find a way to pay for school and that it’s really expensive and nobody in my family can do that for me,” Degaga said. “I’m really thankful for it.”

The ten recipients are:

Cherisse Hayes of Duke Ellington School of the Arts (Ward 1)

An aspiring journalist, Cherisse is class treasurer and a student contributer at Share.America.gov.

Lorrin Davis of Columbia Heights Education Campus (Ward 1)

Lorrin is interested in studying international affairs to pursue her dream of being a Foreign Service officer.

Ana Lopez of Columbia Heights Education Campus (Ward 1)

Ana first learned English at 13 when she moved to D.C. to join her mother. She will be the first member of her family to attend college.

Sydney Austin of National Cathedral School (Ward 3)

Sydney, an aspiring archaeologist, is captain of her soccer team and editor of the school newspaper.

William Davis of Woodrow Wilson High School (Ward 3)

William, an intern with the Urban Alliance at the World Bank, wants to major in business and pursue a career in finance.

Jenesis Duran of Washington Latin Public Charter School (Ward 4)

Jenesis is captain of her soccer team, school secretary and treasurer and involved in the League of United Latin American Citizens. She wants to study international relations.

Michael Degaga of Paul Laurence Dunbar High School (Ward 5)

Michael is the mechanical captain of the robotics ream, a member of JROTC and wants to major in mechanical engineering. He is expected to be class valedictorian.

Emmoni Morrisey of McKinley Technology High School (Ward 5)

Eommoni is captain of her school’s volleyball team and wants to major in business administration.

Adonte Yearwood of Eastern High School (Ward 6)

Adonte is a member of JROTC and the school baseball team. He wants to major in criminal justice and pursue a career in law enforcement.

Joel Escobar of Cesar Chavez – Parkside High School Campus (Ward 7)

Joel is captain of his soccer team and a first generation student. He is expected to graduate at the top of his class and wants to major in computer science.