High school students participate in annual scholarship competition
by Christy Kincade

Approximately 140 high school seniors came to campus February 19-20 for the fourth annual scholarship competition. The event is an opportunity for prospective students to visit VWC and compete for scholarship money.

Students are invited to attend the two-day competition upon nomination according to their qualifications. The competition consists of a formal interview with a member of the faculty and a current Wesleyan scholarship student, along with a writing exercise. Students are encouraged to stay overnight with current VWC residents to experience college life.

“We don’t turn students away who say they want to come,” said Steve Bruce, associate dean of admissions. “It can be a significant experience for them if they feel they have something to offer the community.”

The college awards two full scholarships, the Batten Scholarship and Trustees’ Award, which cover tuition, room, and board ($18, 980). One student will be selected as the Dean Wilson Award recipient, and given a financial aid package of $10,000.

Other scholarships to be awarded fall in three categories: the Wesleyan Scholars merits $9,000 a year; Presidential Scholars receive $7,000 annually; and Academic Dean Scholarships range from $1,000 to $6,000. Students may also audition for choral scholarships.

“It’s an honor just to be nominated,” Bruce said. “They are all qualified to receive scholarships and students who are not awarded [financial aid] will still come to this school because of the fun experience they had.”

The comprehensive competition began in 1995, the brainchild of former Dr. Martha Rogers, former dean of admissions.

Bruce commented that this is Wesleyan’s most significant recruiting event of the year. Of the 207 students who attended last year, 90 came to the school.

The event’s success is due in part to the more than 80 faculty and staff and 150 students who participate, as well as the physical plant and dining hall staffs.

Carla Tartivita, 17, of New Jersey was one of the high school students who participated in the scholarship competition .

“I thought it was well-organized and all the students were very helpful,” Tartivita said.“I enjoyed the interview, especially since the professor made me feel comfortable.”

Candidates who stayed on campus attended classes, ate in the dining hall, and participated in two events Thursday night sponsored by campus clubs and organizations. Phi Sigma Sigma sorority hosted a Dating Game, and the admissions office presented local band Snackbar Jones in a concert immediately afterward.

The annual scholarship competition offers potential students a chance to put together their best profile as well as get involved in and experience a college atmosphere.

“[The competition] is to look at more than academics,” said Bruce. “I don’t know of any schools that do scholarship competitions to the magnitude we do. I think it’s already proven to be successful.”