Merit Scholarships Reflect School's Mission
Posted September 20, 2012
Each year, Saint Mary’s School awards merit scholarships to students who have demonstrated qualities essential to the school’s mission, which include a commitment to challenging each girl to embrace “the habits of an intellectual life” and fostering in her “a spirit of connection to others.” Both the Blanche Robertson Bacon and Honors Scholarship and the Capital Scholarship reflects these values.
The Blanche Robertson Bacon and Honors Scholarship recognizes an incoming 9th or 10th grade boarding student from outside the Triangle area. The student must demonstrate a strong academic foundation and a dedication to her community. The scholarship covers tuition, room and board during her tenure at Saint Mary’s School. To be considered for this scholarship, a student must exhibit leadership skills and outstanding character; demonstrate academic success and extracurricular involvement.
This year’s Blanche Robertson Bacon and Honors scholarship recipient is Shelby Holmes ’16, from Weaversville, N.C. Of her experience to date, Shelby says, “The whole experience at Saint Mary’s seems so surreal. I went to public school for grade 1-8 in a small suburban town, so boarding, and even just living in Raleigh, have been a major adjustment.” Shelby has been enjoying life in the classroom too, sharing, “Classes are brilliant here! I’m used to having 30 kids in one class, not 10. Smaller classes are definitely helpful, though. There’s more one-on-one attention and discussion with my teachers and more time for discussion and questions. It’s really nice sharing a classroom with people who are just as interested in learning new things as I am.” “I didn’t expect living here to be as much fun as it is, though,” continues Shelby, “I’m surrounded by people who are bright, strong and unique individuals, and I feel blessed to even have this opportunity. Everyone seems so genuine—which is amazing. I love it.” The adjustment to living away from home has been a positive one for Shelby, “I’ve only been here for a month and it’s already like a second home. I miss home, for sure, but I’m so busy here with dance and clubs and community nights and dorm meetings, that I don’t even have all that much time to. Saint Mary’s really is a community. Both faculty and students are approachable and really interested in everything you have to offer. Oh my goodness, I could just ramble on forever! I have absolute faith that it will only get better.”
The Capital Scholarship is awarded to an incoming 9th grade student from the Raleigh area who has demonstrated a genuine interest in fully integrating herself into the Saint Mary’s residential community. Recipients of this scholarship are encouraged to board their freshmen year, and are required to board their sophomore, junior and senior year. The scholarship subsidizes tuition, room and board during the student’s tenure at Saint Mary’s School. To be considered for this scholarship, students must demonstrate a strong desire to live and learn in a residential community; actively promote community among her peers; and exhibit a strong moral and academic standing.
Mary Powell Boney ’16 is this year’s Capital Scholar. She has elected to live on campus this year and by all reports, she is enjoying the experience. “Saint Mary’s is great so far! There is always something going on,” shares Mary Powell. “Boarding is so fun,” she continues, “I get to know everyone in the school so much better than I would if I were a day student! On the weekends there are so many activities available, sometimes my friends and I just sign up for everything!” As a local boarding student, Mary Powell notes, “Being so close to home is really beneficial if you ever need anything (especially laundry – ha ha). Some boarders and day students came over to my house last weekend and we cooked all sorts of desserts! It was great!”
If you know a student who may qualify for a Saint Mary’s School merit scholarship, please contact our Admission Office for more information, or visit Admission on the Saint Mary’s School website.
