Scholars of Rare Merit

Four 2022 Branksome graduates have received prestigious scholarships to major universities in North America. Here are brief profiles of these exceptional young alums.

BY MEGAN EASTON’13

Maria Muiruri University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

The Morehead-Cain Scholarship is a four-year, fully funded merit scholarship to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill that is awarded to 75 individuals who offer distinctive purpose, principle and creativity. Maria was one of three Canadians in 2022 to receive this historic award, the fi rst non-athletic merit scholarship in the United States, dating to 1951. She was the fi rst Branksome graduate to receive it since 2006.

Morehead-Cain is designed to bring together exceptional student leaders and challenge scholars to push boundaries. It provides opportunities for travel, summer enrich- ment programs and internships, while enabling students to maintain a rich peer network. These experiences drew Maria to apply for the scholarship and also made her the perfect candidate.

Maria—who is currently on a gap year as part of Morehead-Cain’s Gap Year program, with plans to travel to the United Kingdom and Tanzania— made a strong impact during her time at Branksome.

Among other things, she was Student Government Prefect, Diversity Council Student Life Representative and Co-Head of the Black Student Union, where she pioneered a Black student mentorship program. She also maintained a rigorous athletic career and was an outstanding debater and moderator.

Branksome enabled Maria to

“Branksome made me a lifelong learner and demonstrated that learning does not only happen in the classroom.”

MARIA MUIRURI

pursue a range of experiences. She approached these opportunities with unparalleled leadership potential, paired with insight, courage and maturity. “Branksome made me a lifelong learner and demonstrated that learning does not only happen in the classroom,” she says.

Delaney Belsher Southern Methodist University

Delaney Belsher’s forward thinking and ambitious drive were key factors in her success in attaining a scholarship to the Cox School of Business at Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas, Texas.

Bachelor of business administration Scholars are pre-selected for Cox admission based on their application to SMU and academic performance. The scholarship is awarded to approximately 100 students, assessed on outstanding academic achievement, strong recommendations, leadership and compelling essays.

Delaney was a natural fit. Faculty at Branksome described her as a “vibrant, mature and dependable” person who was comfortable and capable of leading others. “In addition to outstanding personal drive, Delaney collaborates enthusiastically with her classmates,” they said in her application.

As a BBA Scholar, Delaney benefits from the school’s regular SMU/ Cox curriculum and has early access to the Cox School of Business, including enhanced advising and career service opportunities, and special programs and events. She will be able to study abroad and to pursue double degrees, allowing her to explore multiple academic fields. Having only been there a few months, Delaney and the other BBA Scholars already stand out as some of the strongest business applicants in their class.

Lily Eldon University of Guelph

Lily Eldon is pursuing a degree in biomedical engineering at the University of Guelph and was a recipient of one of Guelph’s most prestigious entrance awards. The President’s Scholarship funds tuition, a summer research position and a mentorship program.

Lily’s involvement in biomedical engineering is not surprising given her undeniable love of math. Faculty at Branksome noted in her application that she was always “brimming with ideas” and exhibited an “unabashed zeal to learn,” making her stand out as a leader. Her goal is to join her mentor’s lab on developing nanoscale biosensor and lab-on-a-chip technologies to study cancer. recognizing her continued leadership in racial and social justice and various EDI initiatives. At Branksome, she was an insightful member of the school’s Diversity Council, Black Student Union and the Resilient Inspirational Sisters of Excellence program.

Making a difference in the community has always been a priority for Lily, a practice she thanks Branksome for. At the school, she co-founded a women-in-math organization, volunteered at Sunny View school and facilitated an inter-school mental health symposium. She was also Co-Club Head of the Mock Trial Club and was a senator on the Halton District School Board Student Senate.

Lily also credits Branksome for teaching her how to manage her time and balance her emotional and physical well-being, a skill she has taken with her to Guelph. “I have yet to see such an inclusive and supportive community as Branksome, where I learned the importance of collaboration and empowering my peers to succeed,” she says.

“I consider myself very lucky to have been a student at Branksome, because the experiences and opportunities available to me were too many to count,” she says. Ore also showed leadership in her role as Boarding Prefect. She was determined to establish a campus “family,” helping others overcome language barriers and homesickness.

Since arriving at Queen’s, Ore has attended roundtable discussions about EDI, budget meetings and academic advising sessions. She also continues to show leadership, taking on the role as the only fi rst-year resident student staff member.

Ore Maxwell Queen’s University

Queen’s University’s Commitment Scholars Award is offered to 10 incoming undergraduate students. It recognizes students’ demonstrated leadership and contributions to racial justice, social justice, Indigenization and equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI). Along with providing funding, the scholarship connects students with advisors who offer guidance in career preparation, fi nancial planning and academics.

Ore was selected from among 300 applicants for the scholarship,

Ore believes her unique and diverse experiences at Branksome made her transition to university easier, equipping her with excellent community leadership skills, comfort in approaching others with confidence and a willingness to embrace new opportunities. R