Forest Hill High School Senior Wins 2024 Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship

May 17, 2024 - A Forest Hill High School senior is approaching graduation with the confidence of knowing she has a $40,000 scholarship to the college of her choice.

Kiesa Currie-Kimball dreams of a career in software programming and cybersecurity - the details are a bit blurry.

The crystal clear fact in her life right now came via email from Amazon, stating, "We’re thrilled to announce you have won the 2024 Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship!"

Currie-Kimball was one of two students selected in Mississippi.

It means she will receive up to $40,000 in paid tuition to attend the college of her choice and a paid internship offer at Amazon after her first year of college, "to gain hands-on, practical work experience with mentorship from Amazon leaders."

Kiesa and her peers will also engage in networking opportunities with their peers and Amazon employees, receive skills development and mental health resources, and have access to an emergency grant fund for unexpected financial obligations that might prevent them from attending school. 

Of all the scholarships she applied for, Kiesa said this was the one she really wanted.

"Yes, this was it, and when I found it, it was a surprise," Currie-Kimball smiled. "I was really excited!" 

"We are very proud of this young lady and this momentous accomplishment," Forest Hill High School Principal, Torrey Hampton said.

The star is now trying to decide where she will spend the next four years - University of Mississippi or Mississippi State.