Maurisha Finley is Bayview academic star

Maurisha Finley wins academic award.
Photo credit: Metro

Bayview Hunters Point neighborhood student star Maurisha Finley was selected by her teachers at Metro High School to receive the 2012 Jackie Robinson Scholarship Award.

According to Metro Principle Nick Happelhof, Maurisha is receiving the honor "because of her tireless commitment to pursue her dreams of attending a four-year university, and because of how deeply she was able to defend and apply her knowledge through the college success portfolio process."

Maurisha used research and critical perspectives in her portfolio defence, examining specific barriers women face within the criminal justice system.

Maurisha received a letter of acceptance to Alabama A & M University less than a month into her senior year, according to Happelhof, making her the first in her graduating class to be accepted to a four year university.  She received many other college acceptances, too, before deciding to enroll at California State University East Bay.

Jen Gebbie, a Metro teacher close to Maurisha, cited Maurisha's critical thinking and leadership skills along with a drive and determination to excel at the university level as reasons for the student's success.

"The staff at Metro was consistently impressed by Maurisha's ability to overcome financial hardship and social pressures in order to earn excellent grades and future success beyond high school," Gebbie told Footprints. 

"To us, Maurisha embodies the kind of student we hope to reach at Metro, and her success gives us hope that other students like her can and will go to college."