Incoming freshmen Drew Pickens of Rome and Bernadette Ebri of Brunswick, Ga., are the 2013 recipients of the Darlington Honor Scholarship. This full scholarship is awarded to one freshman day applicant and one freshman boarding applicant each year.
“The Honor Scholarship is the most prestigious merit award offered by Darlington, and we are proud of Drew and Bernadette for the countless hours of hard work and dedication that earned them this achievement,” said James Milford, associate headmaster and director of admission. “I am confident that each of these students is a great fit for Darlington and will make long-lasting contributions to our school community. I look forward to welcoming them to campus this fall.”
Pickens comes to Darlington from St. Mary’s Catholic School, where he was class president, vice president of the Student Council, and a member of FCA, Math League, Junior Beta Club, Drama Club, and the baseball and tennis teams. He was a recipient of the St. Mary’s Principal’s Award as well as the Presidential Academic Achievement Award and the National Guild Gold Cup for Piano.
"I believe that this is something I will carry with me through college and the rest of my life," Pickens said. "After spending many days on Darlington's campus, I realize that what I am about to become a part of is not just a school, but a community. I feel that Darlington will not only provide me with an amazing education, but an enjoyable and complete high school experience. During my time at Darlington, and even after I graduate, I will do everything I can to give back to the school and live up to the expectations of an Honor Scholar. This has completely changed my life, and I cannot thank Darlington enough."
At St. Francis Xavier Catholic School, Ebri was president of National Junior Honor Society and earned multiple awards as a member of the Model UN Team. She also plays basketball and was the winner of the Coastal Georgia Regional Science Fair Grand Prize, the Savannah Deanery Spelling Bee, the St. Francis Xavier School Lux Mundi Essay Competition, the National American Miss Talent competition and the Mozart Society of Glynn County Scholarship.
"I am extremely excited for August to come as I cannot wait to set foot on the campus, this time as a member of the Darlington Community," Ebri said. "I am honored to be one of this year's Honor Scholars and still cannot believe that I was one of two students selected out of the entire applicant pool."
Established in 2011 as a result of Darlington’s Second Century Campaign, the Honor Scholarship is a full-tuition award that also covers room and board, books, and any other materials and fees. It also provides for an internship the summer before the student’s senior year; a Mastery Award, which is set aside to help the student develop in an area of his or her choice; and a leadership retreat. The multistage selection process involves alumni interviews and a required campus visit and interview.
For more information, click here or contact admission@darlingtonschool.org.
