The Shadow
COVINGTON, Va. (VR) — Alleghany High School seniors Dominic Brown and Joowon Chung have earned 2025 QuestBridge National College Match Scholarships, securing spots at two of the nation’s most prestigious universities.
Dominic will attend Princeton University to study engineering, while Joowon will head to Duke University as a pre-med psychology major.
For Dominic, the achievement carries deep personal meaning.
“I was born in Louisa County but moved to the Alleghany Highlands just before middle school,” he said. “My parents have always encouraged me to work hard and inspired my journey through high school.”
His high school years included profound hardship. In February 2024, Dominic’s mother passed away after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. “It was an incredibly difficult time, but it motivated me to keep pursuing my dream of going to college, just as she wanted,” he said. “Much of my success and drive comes from her.”
That made the moment his effort paid off even more emotional. “I opened my acceptance to Princeton on December 1st — my mother’s birthday. It was a moment I’ll never forget,” he said.
Joowon shares the excitement of her own achievement. “I matched with Duke University with a plan to major in psychology as a pre-med student,” she said. “I want to become an anesthesiologist in the future. I’m really excited to go to Duke because of the sports culture but also the great pre-med courses and academic rigor.”
She reflected on the challenges of moving to the Alleghany Highlands as a freshman and adjusting to a new environment. “I went through a difficult time getting adjusted,” she said. “However, being able to reach this point in my life where I can feel proud and accomplished makes it feel like it was all worth it, and I am glad the experience has shaped me to be the person I am today.”
Joowon expressed gratitude for the strong support system that helped her persevere, including her father, a pastor, her mother, and the friends and teachers who guided her along the way.
QuestBridge leadership also celebrated the students’ success. “This year’s Match Scholarship Recipients embody excellence in so many ways,” said
Ana Rowena Mallari, co-founder and CEO of QuestBridge. “We are thrilled to support students like Dominic and Joowon as they pursue their dreams and make a positive impact on their communities and beyond.”
The QuestBridge Match Scholarship provides full four-year scholarships covering tuition, housing, food, books and supplies, and travel expenses. This year, 2,550 students nationwide became QuestBridge Scholars for the Class of 2030, joining a network of more than 35,000 scholars and alumni across the country.
Alleghany High School is proud to celebrate Dominic and Joowon’s achievements. Principal Derek Cantell emphasized the strong support and guidance the students received from teachers, counselors, and staff at AHS.
“Dominic and Joowon have worked hard, contributed to our school and community, and exemplified the best of Alleghany High School,” said Cantrell. “Being accepted to such highly regarded and elite universities is a remarkable accomplishment, and we couldn’t be prouder of their dedication and the bright futures ahead of them.”
About QuestBridge
QuestBridge, based in Palo Alto, California, is a national nonprofit that helps talented students access top colleges and life-changing opportunities. For more than 30 years, it has supported scholars and alumni in reaching their potential and giving back to their communities.
About AHPS
Alleghany Highlands Public Schools is a consolidating school division, serving students in Alleghany County and Covington. Funding is provided by the Alleghany County Board of Supervisors and Covington City Council. For news and updates, follow AHPS on Facebook, Instagram, or visit www.ahps.k12.va.us.
