At Wakefield, a Scholarship Made All the Difference
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Jeri Tidwell Photography
Wakefeld senior Carol Rector
By Caro Rector
alfway through eighth grade, I was getting set to begin my daunting high school years at the enormous public school in my area. Though it was overcrowded and seemed overwhelming to me, I thought it was my only option. A short time later, a friend suggested to my parents that we consider looking at a private school, something we had never seriously considered. We visited several area schools, assessing tuition, academics, and most important, their student life and everyday environment. After our Wakefield tour, my heart was set. The beautiful hilltop scenery was astonishing, the welcoming feel from the students and staff was unmatched, and their focus on academics, while also valuing fun activities and inclusive sports teams, assured that I would soon feel right at home. What truly sealed the deal was the Archwood Scholarship, an opportunity unique to Wakefield, providing an invaluable head start in the Upper School for first-time students applying for ninth grade. The scholarship goes to one individual who shows talent and interest in a specific academic subject, sport, visual and performing art, or activity outside of school. Applicants submit an essay, film, piece of music, art project, or any other creative rendering that showcases their special talent. The scholarship encourages students from other schools to enter, with a 50 percent annual tuition break for all four years in the Upper School.
Applying for ninth grade, I learned about the scholarship and wrote an essay about my life as a ballerina, including my training at the Washington School of Ballet and ambassadorship for an international pointed shoe company. I also knew Wakefield would allow me to pursue dancing while I also focused on academics. Not long after I applied, I received word I’d been selected for the scholarship, and it has changed my life. Over the next four years, I met with the other three Archwood Scholars from grades above and below me. We often talked about what this scholarship meant to us. Their imdividual talents ranged from basketball to mathematics. This group became a way to connect with students from other grades. Wakefield’s diverse community enabled me to create many lifelong friendships. These days, I’m a senior applying to colleges, and I can see what an advantage Wakefield has provided. My resume is filled with so many activities I never would have imagined were possible. I competed in varsity tennis and soccer, serving as captain of the tennis team as a senior. I did volunteer work at a local church, earned the underclassman Writing and junior thesis awards and even danced in our school musical this year. I now feel confident moving on to the next phase of my life and prepared for any task I may encounter in college. Attending Wakefield has been one of the most invaluable experiences of my life, and the Archwood Scholarship made it possible. I’m forever grateful.
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