Richmond Senior High School student Justin Smith will receive a major scholarship in the amount of nearly $220,000 to attend the University of Chicago.

Smith was named a Quest Bridge Scholar for his exceptional academic record and other accomplishments.

The scholarship is designed to assist students in attending elite universities across the country including Princeton, Yale, Columbia and Stanford. Smith is one of just 271 students across the nation to have received this honor.

“I’m excited and beyond ready to begin my education in Chicago. After graduation I plan on pursuing further education in graduate school, and eventually earn a doctoral degree. I’d like to become a Rhodes Scholar to attend Oxford University,” Smith said.

Smith has been active as a student participating heavily in Relay for Life and other volunteer opportunities.

He helps tutor other students at RSHS, serves as a leader in the school’s chapter of the National Honor Society and founded the first Literary Society at RSHS.