Awarded to students with high academic merit and community involvement, the Carson Scholars program is honoring three of our own Cougars with recognition this year. Anna Newman, Allyson Prisco, and Ava Moffett were all awarded prize money a few years back and are now spotlighted each year for their achievements.
“The Carson Scholars Program is an organization by Ben Carson where students can get nominated by their schools for a chance to be accepted for a $1000 scholarship,” says awardee Anna Newman, who received her scholarship in 7th grade. “The scholarship is based on academics, community service, and involvement. You can only receive the prize money once, and then the following years is just a recognition.”
For Allyson Prisco, she received her scholarship in 5th grade, beating ten other students from her elementary school for the award. “When I was chosen, I had to write an essay about a personal challenge or experience that I had to face. Once my essay was submitted, I found out that I had won and would be representing my school,” Allyson recalls. “I sent my essay to the Carson Scholarship Review Committee and was competing with students all over the country. A couple of months after, I received a letter in the mail saying that I had won for the state!”
All three have been recognized multiple years after they initially won the scholarship. “Once you have been awarded a scholarship, you are given the opportunity to re-apply each year for scholar recognition,” explained freshman Ava Moffett. “You must still meet the requirements of having at least a 3.75 GPA and being active in the community. I applied for Carson Scholar recognition in both 8th and 9th grade and was awarded that recognition.”
Being chosen to represent their schools is a major feat. The scholars continue to be involved in their community, taking part in service opportunities, extracurriculars, and keeping their grades up. Congratulations on being recognized!
