We are thrilled to announce that UCW High School senior Cody Lasenby has been accepted to the Tennessee State University Class of 2026 with a full-ride scholarship! Tennessee State University is a historically Black university in Nashville, and it is also home to other UCW High School alumni from years past. We are so proud of Cody for the immense determination he has shown to excel academically during a tumultuous year all while demonstrating incredible investment in his future.
“This has been an extremely difficult year,” noted Cody. “We are in school, then we are out. Nothing has been certain. I have tried hard to do my best with in-person and online learning, and I believe the best is coming.”
We have no doubt the best is coming for Cody: By December, when many students have not even yet hit the deadline to submit college applications, Cody was accepted to four historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) as well as the Chicago City Colleges. He is waiting on what will likely be acceptances from even more colleges.
“I asked my parents to set up visits [at Tennessee State University and Illinois State University], and we went on two road trips,” explained Cody. “They were both eye-opening and sparked by interest more.” He was elated to wake up on Thanksgiving morning to a notification that he had received a full-ride scholarship to Tennessee State University.
Congratulations, Cody! We are so proud of you, your hard work during some of the most difficult years in education’s history, and your immense dedication to academic excellence.