Tala Gates-Johnson
“I’ve always loved learning. But at Grand River Prep, I learned how to challenge myself and think bigger about what’s possible.”
Tala Gates-Jonhson credits acceptance into the Oxford Fellowship program to her teachers and school community for pushing her to grow academically and personally.
“At NHA, it’s not just about getting good grades,” she said. “It’s about understanding why you’re learning something and how it connects to the world around you.”
That connection is what helped Tala stand out. Whether in the classroom or through extracurricular opportunities, she consistently leaned into challenges, asked thoughtful questions, and looked for ways to expand her
perspective.
Tala says Moral Focus™ lessons about perseverance, integrity, and respect have shaped how she approaches both her goals and relationships.
“You learn how to work hard, but also how to be a good person while you’re doing it. That’s something I’ll carry with me wherever I go. I’m grateful for everything I’ve experienced at Grand River Prep. This scholarship is a big moment, but it’s also a reflection of all the support I’ve had along the way.”
As Tala prepares for Oxford, she is already thinking about the impact she hopes to have on the world.
“I want to keep learning, keep growing, and eventually give back in a meaningful way.”
Temprence Edwards
For Temprence, her Oxford Scholarship reflects the kind of academic rigor she’s embraced throughout her time at Grand River Prep.
Currently enrolled in the school’s Early Middle College program in partnership with Davenport University, Temprence is already working toward an associate degree in human resource management.
It’s a pace that requires discipline, focus, and resilience, all skills she says were built during her time at GRP.
“They challenge us. They make sure you’re trying your best,” she said. “I’ve been writing a lot of essays in my college classes, but my high school classes prepared me for that.”
That growth didn’t happen alone. She credits her teachers for pushing her.
“They set you up for success,” says Temprence.
It’s a reminder of something NHA schools strive to do every day, surround students with the encouragement and support they need to keep going, even when it’s challenging.
For Temprence, the upcoming Oxford experience is about more than academics.
“I’ve always wanted to study abroad,” she said. “I love to travel and learn about new cultures.”
That curiosity has already taken her beyond the classroom. Through Grand River Prep, she’s participated in international travel experiences, including a European educational tour.
It’s all part of a bigger goal: understanding how the world works and where she fits into it.
“I want to work with people, help people, and still be able to be creative and travel,” she said.
At Oxford, both Temprence and Tala will spend two weeks in July immersed in coursework and seminars, with opportunities to explore historic landmarks. The seniors are just a handful of students chosen from schools across Michigan to participate in the summer learning program.
Congratulations Temprence and Tala!
About Grand River Prep
Grand River Preparatory High School is a tuition-free, public charter school in Kentwood, Michigan, serving students in ninth through twelfth grade. It is part of the National Heritage Academies (NHA®) network, which includes more than 100 tuition-free, public charter schools serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through high school across nine states. For more information, visit nhaschools.com.
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