LHWHS senior Maria Dolan has been awarded one of the most highly selective merit scholarships in the nation.
The Jefferson Scholars Foundation at the University of Virginia selected Maria as one of 40 recipients of the Jefferson Scholarship.
She will commence her studies in the fall at the University of Virginia and plans to major in biology on a pre-med track.
Along with an exemplary academic background, Maria has been an active volunteer in the community:
- Founded Tech Connect in the 7th grade, an organization that brings teenage volunteers to senior living facilities to assist with technology questions and problems. Maria has coordinated the program and volunteered twice per month since it began.
- Founded Ladue Night Lights, an event that encourages students with special needs to play in a friendly football game, join the dance team, and/or play in the school band.
- Spent two years volunteering with the Special Olympics.
In order to be named a Scholar, students are nominated by their high schools or affiliated organizations based on their demonstrated excellence and exceptional potential in the areas of leadership, scholarship, and citizenship.
Once nominated, the students go through at least one round of regional interviews.
If selected as a regional finalist, students are then invited to participate in a final round of interviews.
This year, almost 2,200 students were nominated for the Scholarship, and 139 finalists were invited to take part in remote interviews conducted by U.Va. alumni and faculty.
In addition to receiving the full cost of attending the University for four years, Jefferson Scholars benefit from a number of enrichment programs sponsored by the Foundation, including travel abroad, career networking activities, an outdoor challenge program, and a leadership speaker series.