2019 Masuk High Graduate Named Lieberman Scholar

The Joe Lieberman Connecticut Scholarship Fund announced today that five Connecticut students who are headed to college in the fall will be the 7th class of Lieberman Scholars to receive scholarships from the Fund. In addition, 15 current college students who received scholarships beginning in their freshman year will have the scholarship renewed for their upcoming sophomore, junior and senior year.

Five students, who were the third group to receive the annual scholarships beginning in 2015, graduated from their respective colleges this spring. The program began in 2013, and the first class of Scholars graduated college two years ago.

The five students who graduated from Connecticut high schools last month - from Monroe, New Haven, Niantic, Pomfret and Westport - will each receive $1,500 scholarships for their freshman year, which can be renewed for their sophomore, junior and senior years if they maintain a solid academic record.

The five student recipients from a year ago, five students who have just completed their sophomore years, and five Lieberman Scholars who have completed their junior year, will each receive $1,500 for the upcoming academic year when they return to school in the fall.

“The Joe Lieberman Connecticut Scholarship Fund continues to be a way for me to express my appreciation and give back to Connecticut by helping outstanding high school seniors go to college and pursue their dreams,” said former Sen. Lieberman. “Higher education can provide the foundation for greater opportunity and having an impact on local communities and our nation. I am pleased to support these students as they advance in their academic studies, and I share their families’ pride in their considerable accomplishment.”

The Joe Lieberman Connecticut Scholarship Fund received more than 130 applications in 2019 from students attending 58 high schools in 55 Connecticut cities and towns.

Students to receive scholarships for their freshman year, with their high school, the college they plan to attend, and major:

• Michelle Antony, Monroe; Masuk High School, University of Connecticut (molecular cell biology);
• Makayla Dawkins, New Haven; James Hillhouse High School, University of Connecticut (major undecided);
• McKenna Gagnon, Pomfret; The Woodstock Academy, Assumption College (engineering);
• Zachary Katz, Westport: Staples High School, Cornell University (engineering/physics);
• Daven Roberts, Niantic; East Lyme High School, Fordham University (finance);

The review and evaluation of applications was completed by a selection committee at Scholarship America, based on factors including academic record, demonstrated leadership and participation in school and community activities, work experience, and career and educational goals and objectives. Financial need is not considered. Preference is given to applicants who demonstrate outstanding leadership potential and have a record of community service.

To be eligible, students must be high school seniors who reside in and receive their high school education in Connecticut, plan to enroll in full-time undergraduate study at an accredited two-year or four-year college, university or vocational-technical school for the upcoming academic year, have a minimum grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale (or its equivalent), demonstrate outstanding leadership potential and a record of community service, and be United States citizens or permanent legal residents.

Annually, up to five students are selected to receive a $1,500 award – renewable for up to three additional years or until a bachelor’s degree is earned, whichever comes first. Renewal is contingent upon maintaining a cumulative 3.0 grade point average. Scholarship awards are only for undergraduate studies. The 2019 recipients:

• Michelle Antony of Monroe was student representative to the Board of Education, Treasurer of the student body, a member of the varsity tennis team, an AP Scholar with Distinction, member of the National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society and World Languages Honor Society.
• Makayla Dawkins of New Haven was Student Council Vice President, a member of the Hillhouse Math Team and She Code, and Student Representative to the New Haven Board of Education and State Board of Education.
• McKenna Gagnon of Pomfret earned the Young American Award recognizing leadership, academic success and community service; the 20x30 Art Award; and was selected as Prom Queen.
• Zachary Katz of Westport was 2019 Science Olympiad Connecticut State Champion, a cellist with the Norwalk Youth Sympohony and Fairfield County Summer String Orchestra, and volunteered at Aspetuck Land Trust, Wakeman Town Farm and Harbor Watch.
• Daven Roberts of Niantic was a CIAC Scholar Athlete, selected to the National Honor Society, earned a National Merit Letter of Commendation and was a member of East Lyme High School field hockey, lacrosse and musical theater.

The scholarship is administered by Scholarship America, the nation’s largest designer and manager of scholarship, tuition assistance and other education support programs for corporations, foundations, associations and individuals. Sen. Lieberman used excess funds from his campaign fund to seed the scholarship program, and additional funds have been raised. Awards are granted without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, age, gender, disability or national origin, for full-time study at an accredited institution of the students’ choice.

Applications for the 2020 scholarship will open on February 1, 2020 and close on April 1, 2020. Additional information will be available at http://sms.scholarshipamerica.org/joe-lieberman-scholars