Portland High School Senior Wins $20,000 Scholarship, Ivy League Acceptance

Jasmin Reyes Contreras overcame adversity to become a student leader and earn a 'full ride' to Barnard College.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 12:08am

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An abstract, out-of-focus photograph in warm, muted tones depicting a high school hallway scene with students walking through, their faces and details obscured in a hazy, dreamlike atmosphere, conceptually representing the story of a student overcoming challenges to achieve academic success.A scholarship recipient's journey from adversity to academic triumph reflects the transformative power of mentorship and resilience.Salem Today

Jasmin Reyes Contreras, a Portland high school senior, has been awarded a $20,000 'Beat the Odds' scholarship from the nonprofit Stand for Children. Reyes Contreras has demonstrated strong leadership in student government, advocacy, and as a campus spirit leader, despite facing instability and challenges growing up. She was recently accepted to Barnard College with a 'full ride' scholarship, an achievement she once felt was out of reach.

Why it matters

Reyes Contreras' story highlights the power of mentorship and resilience in helping students from difficult backgrounds achieve academic success and reach their full potential. Her accomplishments inspire hope and show that with the right support, students can overcome adversity and thrive.

The details

Reyes Contreras has built a strong presence on social media, documenting her journey in student government, advocacy, and school leadership. She testified in Salem in support of a bill aimed at reducing student absences and was selected as a Rose Festival Princess for her school. Those who selected her for the scholarship said she stood out for her leadership and ability to change the culture at her school.

  • Reyes Contreras recently received the 'Beat the Odds' scholarship from Stand for Children.
  • She was recently accepted to Barnard College with a 'full ride' scholarship.

The players

Jasmin Reyes Contreras

A Portland high school senior who has overcome adversity and demonstrated strong leadership, earning a $20,000 scholarship and acceptance to Barnard College.

Stand for Children

A nonprofit organization that honors inspiring high school seniors each year with the 'Beat the Odds' scholarship.

Janene Kajitani

The director of Development & Scholarships at Stand for Children, who said Reyes Contreras stood out for her leadership and ability to change the culture at her school.

Sierra Hill

Reyes Contreras' leadership director, who has known her since sixth grade and is proud of her accomplishments.

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What they’re saying

“The energy in the halls was palpable, and when she walked through, everyone knew who she was.”

— Janene Kajitani, Director of Development & Scholarships, Stand for Children

“I just don't think she thought this was possible for someone who lived the life she lived and looked the way she does and the kid she thought she was at that point.”

— Sierra Hill, Leadership Director

“Knowing that there are people who actually care about me and want to see me succeed, and reminiscing about the hard times, and knowing they were able to pick me up and speak positively to myself when I wasn't doing that for myself.”

— Jasmin Reyes Contreras

What’s next

Reyes Contreras has not yet made a final decision on which college to attend, as she is also being recruited by the University of Redlands in California.

The takeaway

Reyes Contreras' story is a testament to the power of mentorship and resilience in helping students from difficult backgrounds achieve academic success. Her accomplishments inspire hope and show that with the right support, students can overcome adversity and reach their full potential.