A Lam Dong student wins Scholarship Worth Nearly US$430,000

A journey fueled by ambition and persistence

As the school year comes to a close, Nguyen Ha Phuong, a 12th-grade student majoring in English at Nguyen Chi Thanh High School for the Gifted (Nam Gia Nghia Ward), has become a source of pride for her school and local education sector after receiving a full scholarship from Haverford College.

The scholarship covers tuition, accommodation, academic materials and health insurance for four years of study in the U.S. Behind the impressive figure, however, lies not only academic achievement but also a long journey of persistence and personal growth.

Since 10th grade, Phuong has been a member of Lam Dong’s team for the national English competition. She has achieved an IELTS score of 8.0 and an SAT score of 1540, won first prize in the provincial English competition for 11th graders, and received the national-level “Three-Good Student” title for the 2023–2024 academic year.

Beyond academics, Phuong is also known for her active involvement in community initiatives. She founded and co-led several projects related to culture, economics, health and social development. Passionate about writing, she has also published a children’s storybook.

In addition, Phuong has excelled in sports, winning first prize in the women’s doubles and mixed doubles events at the provincial badminton club championship in 2025, along with a silver medal at the provincial Phu Dong Sports Festival during 10th grade.

Her mother, Pham Thi Hai, said the family is proudest not of the scholarship itself, but of Phuong’s determination and sense of purpose.

“Since she was young, Phuong has loved reading and studying independently,” Hai said. “There were many nights when she stayed up late studying, working on projects or practicing English, yet she never complained. We simply tried our best to support her passions."

The ones who nurtured her belief

In addition to Haverford College, Phuong also received scholarships worth more than VND 6 billion from several other American universities, including Lafayette College, Franklin & Marshall College, Trinity University, Furman University and Rhodes College.

Notably, she was selected as one of only 10 students admitted to Lafayette College’s Dyer Fellowship program, a four-year initiative focused on entrepreneurship, project development and community impact.

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I enjoy challenging myself in different fields. At times, I had to balance preparing for the national English competition, community projects, and sports competitions all at once. Although the pressure was intense, I never wanted to give up. Each experience helped me better understand myself and become more mature.

Nguyen Ha Phương

Phuong believes her application stood out not only because of her academic scores, but because of the practical experiences and values she pursued outside the classroom. “I wanted the admissions committee to see someone who is always eager to learn and contribute positively to the community,” she said.

Throughout her journey, Phuong received strong support from her family, teachers and school, especially Nguyen Thi Phuong, her homeroom teacher and English team mentor for the English competition team over the past three years.

Nguyen Thi Phuong, her teacher described her student as intelligent, disciplined and highly self-motivated. “What I admire most about Phuong is her seriousness, independent learning ability and initiative,” the teacher said. “Despite her many achievements, she remains thoughtful, caring and deeply grateful to her family and teachers.”