Milford High School is pleased to share that MHS student, Ericka Zamora Daquilema (Class of 2026), was awarded a scholarship to attend the week-long CloseUp Washington D.C. Program. This scholarship is provided by CloseUp partner Johnson&Johnson. 

This fully funded opportunity is only awarded to nine students in the state of Massachusetts, one from each of the nine congressional districts. Ericka was chosen to represent MA District 4 for her passionate application and civic interest. Ericka is also 1 of 300 students from across the country participating in the program.

“We are very proud of Ericka. She took the initiative to apply for this scholarship opportunity, and followed the process on her own.  Her successful application speaks to the kind of student and person Ericka has been at Milford High School. She is a conscientious student, a good classmate, and an engaged citizen in our school community. This opportunity is a wonderful chance for Ericka to represent MHS and her family, and to further her goals The Close Up Program is an opportunity for students to travel to Washington D.C. and experience the nation's capital. Through the schedule, students make personal connections with the people, institutions and iconic sites that embody our nation’s past and present. Students spend time in small and large group workshops throughout the week that focus on current issues facing our nation today and engage in meaningful discussion with students from across the country. They debate and deliberate as if they were Congressmen and Congresswomen and then meet with their elected officials the following day on Capitol Hill. Students will discuss their educational experience and discuss the issues they care most about with the experts, policymakers, and members of Congress. 

The program doesn’t end after students return home. Students will be able to join an alumni network and continue to use their voice and what he learned in D.C. to take action in their community and school. Ericka has the opportunity to join the Close Up Civic Ambassador program. Civic Ambassadors encourage students to remain active, engaged citizens and a responsible leader for their communities. 

Submitted by Milford Public Schools