David Collins ('14) Receives Morehead-Cain Scholarship

As a Morehead-Cain scholar, David joins an elite group selected from thousands of international applicants. Only 52 students receive a scholarship – about 3% of the applicant pool.

 

“I’m so excited,” David says. “The school is perfect for the experiences I hope to get out of university.”

 

David first knew he wanted to apply for the scholarship in Grade 8. The seed was planted when his older sister’s friend and Greenwood alumna, Emily Jarrett (’10), made it to the final round of scholarship selection four years ago.

 

“The more I heard Emily talk about it, the more I knew this was something I wanted to pursue when the time came,” David says.

 

Morehead-Cain scholars must demonstrate four main characteristics: moral force of character; scholarship; physical vigor; and leadership. David has consistently demonstrated these qualities throughout his six years at Greenwood. A nationally ranked water skier, David also volunteers with our Hockey H.E.R.O.S. program, performs in and stage-manages drama productions and plays in Greenwood’s bands – all while maintaining high academic standing.

 

Applying for the Morehead-Cain is a large undertaking, requiring significant commitment from both candidates and school staff. Working closely with Student Services, David spent a month readying his written application and gathering letters of recommendation. He then went through several mock interviews to prepare him for his first Skype interview and two in-person interviews at UNC Chapel Hill. While in North Carolina, David had the opportunity to meet other Morehead-Cain candidates from around the world, as well as Morehead-Cain alumni.

 

The scholarship provides full funding for four years at UNC Chapel Hill, including tuition, student fees, housing, meals, books and a laptop. A key feature is the four-year Summer Enrichment Program, which funds experiences around the world in Outdoor Leadership, Public Service, Inquiry and Exploration and Private Enterprise.

 

David’s first experience in the program will be an outdoor exploration trip, which he’ll complete before he starts school in August. He plans to study biochemistry or another science discipline as a pre-med student. Until then, he’s taking advantage of another benefit of being a Morehead-Cain scholar: a widespread network of alumni.