Ella Zucchero, a Grade 12 student in Acton District School, has
received a prestigious scholarship to the University of Charleston valued at $180,000.
“The scholarship I received is called the University of Charleston’s Presidential Scholarship, and is the highest scholarship awarded by the University of Charleston,” Zucchero says. “It’s described as a high achievers award that not only covers the expenses for my four years at UC, but also gives me the opportunity to regularly meet with the president of the university for mentoring and leadership skill development.”
The scholarship has several progressive stages which include essay submissions and interviews, Zucchero says. Candidates are notified at each interval if they have been selected to continue in the process.
“In the final stage I was invited to attend the campus in West Virginia along with several other candidates for a full day of interviews. I received an email a couple weeks later notifying me that I was selected as one of four recipients of the scholarship.”
When that notification came, Zucchero says she was ecstatic.
“I was beyond excited; it was a huge accomplishment, and I am very proud that I was able to achieve it,” she says. “I’m also grateful that the University of Charleston has shown such a strong belief in me and I can’t wait to get on campus in the fall.”
Zucchero says she will be studying exercise science, with the goal of a career in physiotherapy.
“I would love my work to be based around athletics. Sport has been a huge part of my life, and I will also be a member of Golden Eagles Softball competing for a Mountain East Conference championship.
As Zucchero prepares for her post-secondary adventure, she reflects fondly on her time at Acton District School and how it helped shape her as a person.
“Acton District School is a smaller school compared to others in Halton Hills, and because of this, I was able to create great connections with many of my teachers,” she explains. “These relationships have really benefited me in classes, as well as balancing my school work with the extracurricular activities I was involved in. I believe my involvement in the sports teams and clubs was an important aspect of my time at Acton.”
“Ella is one of our hardest working students and she has earned this wonderful opportunity and the financial support that comes with it,” says Kelli Pfeiffer, Principal at Acton District School. “Ella has been a role model in her studies and her athletics here at Acton District. We are so proud of Ella, she is so deserving to be recognized this way, and we will enjoy watching her excel.”
“The Presidential Scholarship truly recognizes high achievers,” says Dr. Elizabeth Wolfe, executive vice president of enrollment management at UC, in a news release. “In addition to being scholars with strong records of academic success, (recipients) have also demonstrated impressive accomplishments in their pursuits beyond the classroom. Throughout a demanding interview process involving multiple rounds of review, these scholars have impressed our campus community.”
And Zucchero’s advice for students making their way through elementary and secondary school?
“My best advice is to be involved with as many sports and clubs as possible, even if they take you outside your comfort zone. Meet new people, and don’t be afraid to share your voice to make change.”
