Lawrentians Nominated for Prestigious College Scholarships

The Lawrenceville School is pleased to announce its nominees – all members of the Class of 2021 - for three of the nation’s most prestigious college scholarships.

The Lawrenceville School is pleased to announce its nominees – all members of the Class of 2021 - for three of the nation’s most prestigious college scholarships. Will Atkinson has been nominated for a Jefferson Scholarship (University of Virginia), Esha Akhtar and Danica Bajaj for Morehead-Cain Scholarships (University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill), and Ije Achebe and Zack Finacchio for Robertson Scholarships (Duke University/University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill). Each of these scholarships covers all college-related expenses, as well as a host of enrichment opportunities, for the recipient.

Here's what they had to say about their nominations:

Jefferson nominee Will Atkinson
I am grateful and honored to have been nominated to compete for the Jefferson Scholarship. The program presents tremendous opportunities to develop as a leader, scholar, and citizen through rigorous academics and enriching relationships - all of which greatly appeals to me. I am passionate about advocacy and public service and the scholarship would be an invaluable opportunity for me to expand my knowledge, strengthen my skills, and create close bonds with others who have similar aspirations.

Morehead-Cain nominee Esha Akhtar
Being nominated for the scholarship is such an incredible honor. In the past years, I always looked up to the previous recipients (Brianna Thompson ’18, Shaezmina Khan ’19, and Deven Kinney ’20) as role models, and realizing that I am filling those big shoes is really empowering, but I am so grateful.

I am excited about the Morehead-Cain Scholarship because it offers me access to a community that is very different, almost the polar opposite, of Lawrenceville - a large state school compared to a small private one, and I think that change is something I am really interested in exploring, as unfamiliar as it might feel. Also, the Morehead-Cain community has access to so many different resources and a level of individual attention that feels unparalleled. 
 
Morehead-Cain nominee Danica Bajaj
I feel beyond lucky to be considered for the Morehead-Cain. I remember my [Second Form] year, our School President, Bri Thompson ‘18, received and accepted the Morehead-Cain scholarship. When she visited Lawrenceville, she raved about her experience at UNC, and more than anything, about the people she met there. That being said, the community of diverse leaders brought together through the Morehead-Cain is what appeals to me most about the scholarship - it would be a privilege and honor to work with such a high caliber of scholars. 

Robertson nominee Ije Achebe
I am honored to be one of the nominations for such a prestigious scholarship, especially alongside someone as qualified as Zack [Finacchio].

I also feel surprisingly heard and validated by being nominated for this award. There are so many other students who have come before me and put in just as much, if not more work into improving diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus and I am just glad to have had a few of them as my mentors and friends.

I'd like to think that the bit I do to bring Black girls on campus together and promote a culture of learning as it relates to identity, be it yours or of those around you, has actually touched some students in a way and this makes me feel confident that it has.

The perks of this scholarship are otherworldly and the freedom that comes with each grant will really allow me to invest in my passions. I think I am most excited about the opportunity to travel abroad as I would love to study in France during my undergraduate experience. Yet, the possible internships and the ability to experience the culture of a completely different campus definitely appeal to me as well. I am just so grateful for the nomination and for everyone's belief in me. 

Robertson nominee Zack Finacchio
Needless to say, I'm over the moon about the nomination and so incredibly grateful for the opportunity. One of my favorite aspects of the scholarship is the funding they provide for summer enrichment. Being able to spend the time to learn in-depth about how to best help communities and lead new initiatives is such a privilege. I also find the dual-campus aspect of the program enthralling. The program really offers an excellent, comprehensive experience, complete with the resources to succeed in new, innovative ways.

For additional information, please contact Lisa M. Gillard Hanson, director of Public Relations, at lgillard@lawrenceville.org.