For immediate release
The Morehead-Cain Foundation announces its Class of 2021
Sixty-six new Morehead-Cain Scholars from across North Carolina, the US and the world will matriculate at UNC-Chapel Hill this fall
(Chapel Hill, N.C. April 28, 2017) The Morehead-Cain Foundation, home of the first merit scholarship program in the U.S. and founded at the first public university in the country, is proud to announce its class of 2021.
This fall, Morehead-Cain will welcome to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 66 new Morehead-Cain Scholars from across North Carolina, the U.S. and the world. The class of 2021 includes:
The Morehead-Cain Scholarship covers all expenses for four years of undergraduate study at UNC-Chapel Hill. It also features a distinctive program of summer enrichment experiences designed to support students as they learn and grow. During the course of four summers, scholars will have opportunities to complete an outdoor leadership course, commit themselves to public service in the U.S. or abroad, conduct research at sites around the world and gain experience in private enterprise.
The Summer Enrichment Program is complemented by the Morehead-Cain Discovery Fund. Scholars are encouraged and receive financial support to more deeply explore their interests, whether those involve studying under celebrated artists, attending leadership retreats or obtaining wilderness first responder certification. From researching food and agriculture industries in Iceland to examining the impact of innovation and entrepreneurship in post-Hurricane Katrina New Orleans, Morehead-Cain Scholars have the resources to pursue educational opportunities wherever they may find them.
As set out in the programs founding documents, selection criteria for the Morehead-Cain are leadership, moral force of character, academic achievement and physical vigor. Morehead-Cain recipients are chosen solely on the basis of merit and accomplishment.
More than 200 Morehead-Cain Scholars study on campus, making outstanding contributions across the full range of University life. From student government to community service to the performing arts, Morehead-Cain Scholars play a prominent role in Carolinas vibrant student community. For example, during the past ten years, six student body presidents, four student attorneys general and four honor court chairs have all been Morehead-Cains.
Since 2000, 14 Morehead-Cain Scholars have won Rhodes Scholarships to Englands Oxford University, one of the worlds most competitive and prestigious awards for graduate study. Since the first Morehead Scholars graduated from Carolina in 1957, 31 of UNCs 34 Rhodes Scholars have been Morehead-Cain Scholars.
Morehead-Cains have accounted for 25 of the Universitys 38 Luce Scholars and 19 of Carolinas 30 Truman Scholars, among the nations most generous and distinguished awards for graduate study. Twenty-seven Morehead-Cain Scholars have won Fulbright Fellowships, three have won Gates Cambridge Scholarships for graduate study at the University of Cambridge in England and two Morehead-Cains were among the inaugural class of Schwarzman Scholars, an elite China-based graduate scholarship that enrolled its first students in 2016.
Like the scholars, the 3,000 Morehead-Cain Alumni across the world are a diverse and distinguished group. They include:
Founded in 1945, the Morehead-Cain has been a model for countless merit awards throughout the United States. These include the University of Virginias Jefferson Scholars Program, Duke Universitys Benjamin N. Duke Scholars Program and Emory Universitys Woodruff Scholars Program.
For more information, visit http://www.moreheadcain.org/ or call the Foundation at (919) 962-1201. Portraits of scholarship recipients can be downloaded at http://unc.photoshelter.com.
Class of 2021
New Morehead-Cain Scholars are listed below alphabetically by North Carolina county, state and country. Students noted with an asterisk (*) are listed in more than one location.
NORTH CAROLINA
AlamanceLauren Emily Gornto will graduate this spring from Western Alamance High School in Elon, where she is director of WA Cappella, her schools co-ed a cappella group. She arranges music, creates rehearsal and meeting agendas and helps lead the award-winning group. Lauren also sits on Alamance Childrens Theatre Board of Directors, has served as her classs president each year since her first in high school, and formed an after-school tutoring program at her former middle school. She is interested in exploring law and chemistry. Lauren is the daughter of Meredith and John Gornto Jr. of Burlington.
BertieJason Ray Cowan will graduate this spring from Bertie Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics High School in Windsor, where he is president of the STEM Senior Beta Club, vice president of the Student Government Association and a defense attorney for teen court. Jason has helped several teens avoid criminal punishments in exchange for performing community service. He also enjoys running and has served as captain of the distance team. Jason is excited to study English, business and law. He is the son of Robbie and Tonya Cowan of Lewiston.
BuncombeWilliam Grant Everist (Grant) will graduate this spring from Asheville High School in Asheville, where he is very involved with student government, serving for all four years and focusing on projects such as making prom and homecoming more affordable, teacher and staff appreciation breakfasts and leadership training. Grant is also president of the Spanish Club, runs his own business selling bracelets and has served as captain of his schools soccer, baseball, tennis and Frisbee teams. He is interested in studying international relations and economics. Grant is the son of William and Mary Everist of Asheville.
Sophia Wessels Swift (Sophie) will graduate this spring from North Buncombe High School in Weaverville, where her love of dance has led her to choreograph her schools productions of Legally Blonde and Footloose. Sophie also serves as student body vice president and co-captain of the girls varsity tennis team and is a member of the Kai Orbus robotics team. She is interested in studying math and physics and may pursue a career in biomedical engineering or teaching. She is the daughter of Todd and Tami Swift of Weaverville.
BurkeAndrew Philip McRacken (Drew) will graduate this spring from Freedom High School in Morganton, where he started Bulldogs in the Lab, an interactive program that teaches elementary school students about science. He also serves as drum captain in his schools award-winning marching band, is a leader in his churchs youth group and co-founded his schools first 3D printing club. Drew is interested in learning about biomedical engineering and biochemistry and is thinking about careers in medicine. He is the son of Mark McRacken and Lisa Moses of Mooresville.
CabarrusKelsie Naomi King will graduate this spring from Hickory Ridge High School in Harrisburg, where she is student body president, an officer in the Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) club, and captain of youth ushers at The Park Church. Kelsie also built the volunteer relationship between her school and Carillon Assisted Living Center, as well as coordinated her schools first annual Jingle Bell Run. Kelsie is interested in studying biology and biochemistry. She is the daughter of Kelsey and Michelle King of Harrisburg.
CumberlandNathan John Pait will graduate this spring from Village Christian Academy in Fayetteville, where he is student body president, organizing fundraisers, community-service events and student experiences, such as Homecoming Week. He is also a member of the Mock Trial team and editor-in-chief of the yearbook, and he loves to act in school shows and community theater. Nathan is interested in studying biology and chemistry. He is the son of Kevin and Janna Pait of Fayetteville.
DuplinRichard Foster Livingston will graduate this spring from Wallace-Rose Hill High School in Teachey, where he is co-president of his schools chapter of Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) and treasurer of Student Government. Richard is also an Eagle Scout, founded his schools first Quiz Bowl team and serves as volunteer coordinator for the Carolina Strawberry Festival. Richard is interested in studying biology and Spanish and wants to explore careers in health care. He is the son of Matthew Livingston of Wallace and Manya Kline of Wake Forest.
Durham*Amruthansh Swamy Sriperumbudur (Amruth) will graduate this spring from the North Carolina School of Science & Mathematics in Durham, where he is senior senator and head of the Outreach Committee. It is his job to help facilitate interactions between the student body, faculty and staff. Amruth is also a student researcher, captain of the Mock Trial team and plays on his schools two-time state championship-winning tennis team. He is interested in studying mathematics and business. Amruth is the son of Chakradhar and Srilaxmi Sriperumbudur of Cary.
GuilfordGrace Lane Fulton Henley (Laney) will graduate this spring from High Point Central High School in High Point, where she is president of the Rotary Interact Club, helping lead large events such as the Ending Hunger Games festival. She is also captain of the Mock Debate and Quiz Bowl teams and takes part in competitive saddlebred horse showing, placing second at the National Championships in 2015. Laney is interested in studying business and mathematics. She is the daughter of Grace and Arthur Henley III of High Point.
Pearce Armstrong Landry II will graduate this spring from Greensboro Day School in Greensboro, where he is the two-year captain of the nationally ranked boys varsity basketball team. Pearce also started the Service Through Sports club to give athletes a meaningful way to serve their community, founded Hoops for the Hungry and serves on Student Council. He is interested in studying finance and chemistry and is thinking about careers in business and finance. Pearce is the son of Pearce and Anne Landry of Greensboro.
Ashley Chandler Simpson (Chandler) will graduate this spring from Walter Hines Page High School in Greensboro, where she is an active volunteer with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and has helped raise more than $100,000. She is also co-chair of the Youth Leadership of Greensboro, a program designed to teach students about Greensboros communities and issues, and serves as co-president of the Page High School Principals Council. Chandler is interested in studying journalism and art history and may pursue a career as a journalist. She is the daughter of Ashley and Evander Simpson IV of Greensboro.
HarnettMadison Grace Tart will graduate this spring from Triton High School in Erwin, where she volunteers and writes for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline blog. She is also student leader of the Triton High School Choral Ensemble, co-founder of the Creative Writing Club and co-founder of Project Unifya program designed to teach youth about current social issues. Madison is interested in studying psychology and chemistry. She is the daughter of Allen and Rani Tart of Erwin.
HaywoodLevi Thomas McCracken will graduate this spring from Haywood Early College High School in Clyde, where he is the Haywood Community College Student Government president, coordinating service projects, school events, and serving on the colleges board of trustees. He also is president of his schools peer mentor program, worked as a page in the North Carolina House of Representatives and volunteers at the Canton Central United Methodist Church. Levi is interested in studying political science and economics. He is the son of Mark and Crystal McCracken of Clyde.
IredellMarcella Francesca Pansini will graduate this spring from South Iredell High School in Statesville, where she is the president of Aprendemos Como Uno. ACU is a program that works with the Exceptional Childrens program to implement a Spanish curriculum and tutoring system. She also directed her schools production of the play Terra Nova and coaches for Kidzz Du Tri, an organization that teaches children how to improve their biking, swimming and running skills. Marcella is interested in studying international business and Spanish. She is the daughter of Abigayl and Michael Pansini Jr. of Mooresville.
LenoirAngel Rodolfo Gaona (Angel) will graduate this spring from North Lenoir High School in La Grange, where he is president of his schools chapter of the National Honor Society. He also volunteers at the Neuseway Nature Park Planetarium and the Down East ALS Walk, and is captain of the boys varsity soccer team. Angel also loves working under the hood of a car; he removed and replaced his first engine when he was only 15 years old. He is interested in studying mathematics, chemistry, and biology, and is thinking about a career as a surgeon. Angel is the son of Gregorio and Paula Gaona of La Grange.
MecklenburgLeslie Ruby Acosta Padilla will graduate this spring from Harding University High School in Charlotte, where she volunteers at Carolinas Medical Center, mentors middle school students who are making the leap to high school and leads the tutoring program Somos Unidos. Leslie is also the vice president of the Cultural and Leadership Club and captain of the girls varsity soccer team. She is interested in studying biology and public health and wants to explore a career in medicine. Leslie is the daughter Tesla Acosta of Charlotte.
Patrick Anderson Bradey will graduate this spring from Myers Park High School in Charlotte, where he is president of the Student Government Association, president of the Teen Democrats club and co-captain of the Academic World Quest team. He also serves on Myers Parks first Honor Council and is a Mustang Ambassador, leading tours for new students. Patrick is interested in studying foreign language and history and is considering a career in politics. He is the son of Christopher and Tracy Bradey of Charlotte.
Dennis Montgomery Cmiel (Denny) will graduate this spring from Myers Park High School in Charlotte, where he is an active member of the Christ Church Youth Group and a member of the churchs Youth Council. He has helped plan weekly meetings, dances, fundraisers and trips to Europe. Denny also loves basketball; he serves as captain of the boys varsity basketball team and coaches a girls recreational basketball team. Denny is interested in learning about business and theology and is thinking about a career in business management, ministry or coaching. He is the son of Craig and Joyce Cmiel of Charlotte.
Sara Rose Holley will graduate this spring from East Mecklenburg High School in Charlotte, where she created TEDxEastMecklenburgHighSchool. The event showcases student ideas and requires Sara to manage the speaker application process, coordinate the organizing team and raise money to pay for it. She also founded the Speech and Debate Club at her school, leads tours as an East Mecklenburg High School Ambassador and is ranked in the National Blackbelt League (Taekwondo). Sara is interested in studying social psychology, writing, and entrepreneurship. She is the daughter of John and Young Holley of Charlotte.
Sarah Dudley Sasz (Sally) will graduate this spring from Charlotte Country Day School in Charlotte, where she is president of her schools chapter of the National Art Honor Society, working on projects such as bringing art and creativity to children in area hospitals and schools. She is also art editor of her schools art and literary magazine OPUS, mentors a student through Big Brothers Big Sisters and plays girls varsity tennis and basketball. Sally is interested in learning more about literature and writing. She is the daughter of Steven and Nancy Sasz of Charlotte.
New HanoverCamryn Gerard Kellogg will graduate this spring from Cape Fear Academy in Wilmington, where he has performed in more than a dozen theater productions since middle school. He has performed at the North Carolina Theater Conference three times. He is also an accomplished musician, playing the alto saxophone and performing at events nationwide. Camryn also found the A-Team, an asthma awareness club. He is interested in studying biology and math and may pursue a career in medicine or music. He is the son of Robert and Laura Kellogg of Wilmington.
Mina Yakubu will graduate this spring from New Hanover High School in Wilmington, where she created the International Club to create opportunities for students to learn about their classmates and cultures. She also serves as senior class president, takes part in the judicial process as a member of New Hanover Teen Court, and is captain of the color guard and girls varsity lacrosse. Mina is interested in studying African, African American, and Diaspora studies and political science. She is the daughter of Awudu Yakubu and Grace Abrokwah of Wilmington.
OnslowAlexandria Leigh Chadwick will graduate this spring from Swansboro High School in Swansboro, where she is president of the Swansboro Area Youth Development Foundation. She has helped lead efforts that raised thousands of dollars for local schools, animal shelters and parks. Alexandria also serves as senior class president, is secretary of the group Student to Student and is captain of the girls varsity golf team. She is interested in studying mathematics and English. Alexandria is the daughter of John and Donna Chadwick of Swansboro.
OrangeLucas Cole Risinger will graduate this spring from East Chapel Hill High School in Chapel Hill, where he is an active volunteer with El Centro Hispano, tutoring and helping run summer camps. He also serves on the Superintendents Student Advisory Council, is co-president of his schools Model U.N. club and plays on a nationally ranked Ultimate Frisbee team. Lucas is interested in studying applied mathematics and economics. He is the son of Bradley Risinger and Carolyn Landever of Chapel Hill.
PittOlivia Leigh Hoynes will graduate this spring from Junius H. Rose High School in Greenville, where she is a member of student government, serving as co-chair of the Exceptional Childrens Activities Cabinet. She also volunteers at the Pitt County Animal Shelter and founded the Pitt Animal Welfare Society (PAWS); the club has raised more than $1,600 and 1,130 pounds of pet food for animals in need. Olivia is interested in studying biology and religious studies and wants to explore careers in medicine or research. She is the daughter of Matthew Hoynes and Wendy Creasey of Greenville.
Jordyn Marie Williams will graduate this spring from Junius H. Rose High School in Greenville, where she helped restart the History Day program at her school. In addition to helping many students with their projects, she herself won the grand prize at the national level of History Day. Jordyn is also an active member of the volunteer social group Life Teen, a senior editor for the opinion section of the school paper Rampant Lines and a member of the varsity track and cross country teams. Jordyn is interested in studying biology and psychology. She is the daughter of Marvin and Kimberly Williams of Winterville.
RobesonTaner Kylan Jacobs will graduate this spring from Lumberton Senior High School in Lumberton, where he co-founded Treasured Gems, a club dedicated to involving disabled students in school events and activities. He is also an active member of the Native American Student Association and has represented his chapter at conferences and programs, serves as senior class president, and he is an enthusiastic member of the school spirit team the Maroon Typhoon. Taner is interested in studying biology and business. He is the son of Aubrey and Anita Jacobs of Lumberton.
Stanly*Taya Sherie Joseph will graduate this spring from Albemarle Senior High School in Albemarle, where she organized a successful fundraiser for Sickle Cell Disease Research; she found sponsors, managed the sign-up process and hosted the event. Taya also interned at Albemarle Pediatrics to work closely with doctors and nurses, serves as president of her schools chapter of the National Honor Society and has twice been named captain of the girls varsity basketball team. She is interested in studying biology and Spanish and is considering a career in medicine. Taya is the daughter of Kenry Joseph of New York, New York, and Jay and Christie Biles of Albemarle.
SurryAnna Andreevna Ilyasova will graduate this spring from Mount Airy High School in Mount Airy, where she is part of the Middle School Mentorship Program, tutoring and supporting younger students. She is also president of her schools Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) chapter, president of the Interact Club and an accomplished piano player. Anna is interested in learning about biology and international relations and is considering a career in medicine. She is the daughter of Andrey and Irina Ilyasova of Mount Airy.
UnionKayley Elizabeth Carpenter will graduate this spring from Piedmont High School in Monroe, where she is pit captain of her schools award winning marching band, has performed in more than a dozen plays and musicals and is an active member of the Girl Scouts. She also co-founded Project Unify, a club at her school that works with developmentally disabled teens and adults in her community. Kayley has many interests and is looking forward to studying everything from theater to biology. She is the daughter of Mark and Karen Carpenter of Indian Trail.
WakeLucas Saunders Buxton (Luke) will graduate this spring from Enloe Magnet High School in Raleigh, where he is president of Student Athletic Activities, organizing events that energize students in support of his schools sports teams. He also started the Cinematography Club, produces segments for his schools student-run video network, The Loedown, and serves as captain of the boys varsity soccer team. Luke is interested in learning more about television production, sports journalism and communications. He is the son of J.B. and Hunter Buxton of Raleigh.
Mackenzie Elizabeth Dion will graduate this spring from Needham B. Broughton High School in Raleigh, where she is founder and president of the Broughton Food Ark, a nonprofit that fights food insecurity through volunteering and community engagement. She also founded the Walk for Water, leads the CAM Raleigh Young Artists Advisory Board, and volunteers at the Camden Street Learning Garden. Mackenzie is interested in studying public policy and environmental studies. She is the daughter of John and Lisa Dion of Raleigh.
Jacquelyn Claire Hedrick will graduate this spring from Jesse O. Sanderson High School in Raleigh, where she is president of the PALS Club. The club is built to foster relationships between students with and without disabilities; Jacquelyn spearheads fundraising efforts, organizes field trips and more. She also works on social justice issues at Youth Empowered Solutions (YES!), leads a Project UNIFY team, and organizes an annual Halloween party for Wake County high school students with moderate to severe disabilities. Jacquelyn is interested in studying special education and occupational therapy. She is the daughter of John and Tammy Hedrick of Raleigh.
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The Morehead-Cain Foundation announces its Class of 2021 - UNC News