Rising from Escuela Plus: Alumnae Awarded Posse College Scholarships
- Jan 28
- 3 min read
Source: Special to Los Angeles Sentinel News Service - January 28, 2026
Two alumnae of Escuela Plus Elementary, Alexa Grant and Michelle Achaa Oppong, have been awarded the highly competitive Posse Foundation Scholarship, a full-tuition merit award for college recognizing exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and commitment to community impact.
Both scholars began their educational journeys at Escuela Plus, where a strong foundation in academic rigor, character development, and leadership development is intentionally established from the earliest grades.
Grant, a senior in the Class of 2026 at The Archer School for Girls, has been named a Posse Scholar to Tulane University, where she will join the Honors College in the fall of 2026. A distinguished scholar-athlete, Grant maintains a 3.91 GPA while pursuing a rigorous Honors course load.
She serves on the executive board of the Black Student Union, is an elected 12th Grade Class Representative, and has contributed to leadership planning for the Archer Film Festival. A four-year varsity swimmer and senior-year Team Captain, Grant earned MVP honors her junior year and helped lead her team to a CIF Division 3 runners-up finish.
She is also a Junior Olympic–level swimmer and a seven-year participant in the Los Angeles County Fire Department Junior Lifeguard Program. Grant plans to major in Political Science with aspirations to attend law school.
Oppong, a senior at Notre Dame High School, has been awarded a Posse Scholarship to Northwestern University. Oppong graduates with a distinguished record of honors and AP coursework and extensive leadership experience, including serving as vice president of the Black Student Union, founder and president of the African Culture Club, and a member of Holy Cross Leadership.
Her accomplishments include recognition as an MLB Hunter Greene Scholar, national treasurer of the Knights of Peter Claver Junior Division, and treasurer of the Five-Star Inglewood Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc.
Oppong has participated in advanced STEM programs including Google Code Next, Amazon AHEAD, NASA MUREP Engineering Scholars, and the Cedars-Sinai CIRM SPARK Research Program, where she conducted neuroscience research. She plans to pursue health sciences and a career in dermatology focused on addressing underdiagnosed conditions in Black and Brown communities.
“These achievements reflect the long-term impact of an Escuela Plus education,” said Dr. Sandra L. Roussell, founder and Head of School Emeritus of Escuela Plus Elementary.
“Alexa and Michelle embody the confidence, discipline, and purpose we strive to instill in our scholars from their early years.”
Christiane Roussell Willis, Head of School, added, “We are immensely proud of Alexa and Michelle. Their Posse Scholarships affirm not only their academic excellence, but also their leadership, resilience, and commitment to service—values at the heart of our school community.”
According to Roussell Willis, “Escuela Plus graduates consistently matriculate to top independent and parochial secondary schools, where they continue to excel academically and emerge as leaders in student government, service organizations, athletics, and STEM initiatives.
“The success of alumni such as Grant and Oppong underscores the enduring impact of an Escuela Plus education and its commitment to preparing students for lifelong achievement. Escuela Plus extends its gratitude to all alumni whose accomplishments and service continue to strengthen communities and inspire future generations, collectively guiding the school’s legacy toward a brighter tomorrow.”
For more information about and registration for the Escuela Legacy & Leadership Reception and information about Escuela Plus Elementary generally, please visit www.escuelapluselementary.com.
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