On Campus : Academics : Academic Opportunities : Scholarships and Awards

Semans’ Family Merit Scholarship Award

In 1981, Truman Semans ’45, established a scholarship fund to honor his father, William R. Semans ’15. Mr. Semans hoped that the ideal recipient of this award would exhibit the same qualities as Hobert Baker, who was his father’s hero. Mr. Baker attended St. Paul’s where he was a fine athlete and contributed to many aspects of his school’s community life. This scholarship provides for 100% of the student’s tuition and also includes a $4,000 stipend, which the student can use for a summer activity, such as an Outward Bound Program, or some other type program which emphasizes the student’s interest in leadership, good citizenship or environmental type issues.

With those simple guidelines in mind, the Academic Dean together with the Director of Financial Aid ask annually for the submission of names of rising V Form students who possess the following qualities: “A Semans’ Scholar should demonstrate the qualities of a model Lawrentian. Such a student is active in the School and participates in community service projects. In addition, the student must exhibit integrity and good moral values. The scholar should be a leader and someone who invests time and energy in the community.”

A committee made up of faculty and administrators narrow the selection down to 8-10 students and the Semans family makes the final selection of “Semans’ Scholars.”

Reuben T. Carlson Scholarship Award

In the spirit of helping young Americans use an education to develop their character and intellect, the Reuben T. Carlson Scholarship was established at The Lawrenceville School, in 1990 by Mr. Carlson’s wife, Charlotte, and grandson, Melville D. Mummert ’75.

The Reuben T. Carlson Scholarship is awarded to a rising IV Form boarding student. It recognizes those qualities that epitomize what a Lawrenceville student should be: outstanding scholar, sterling character, inspired leader and inspiring kindness. This award covers a significant portion of the honoree’s expenses for the remaining two years at Lawrenceville.

Any rising IV Form boarder who wishes to compete for this prestigious and generous award is asked to compose an essay and submit it for consideration by a committee, which also reviews faculty recommendations and student records. The criteria for selection is twofold: academic excellence and strength of character. Eligible students receive a notice in January explaining the topic to be covered.

Delmas Scholar Award in Classics

Years ago, a gift was given to the school in honor of former Head Master, Josiah Bunting, III. This award, the Delmas Scholar Award in Classics, is awarded each year to a qualifying student of the III or IV Form. The purpose of the grant is to assist a student of excellence in any of our Latin or Greek courses who wishes to continue studies in Greece or Rome during the summer in a program approved by the school.

In January, qualifing students receive instructions explaining the application process. Students must write a clear proposal describing where the project will take place, what the studies involve, why this project would be beneficial to their education, and what the cost of the project would be. A committee of faculty members review all the proposals submitted and students are notified of the results by the end of spring term.

William Welles Award

The William Welles Award was established in memory of William Bouton Welles, Class of 1971. III and IV Form students are invited to submit a proposal for a summer project they would like to undertake. The amount of the award depends on the proposal submitted, but can be as much as $3000. The work should be a project or research or writing, which meets a high standard of excellence and promise. In the past students have used their awards to travel and study in such places as China, Ghana, or Arizona. Others have worked on projects closer to home. The expectation is that the award will enable students to undertake interesting and productive independent study in areas of special interest. A committee of faculty members will review all proposals submitted; students are notified of the results some time in late March.