Student named Jack Kent Cooke Young Scholar

An elite and unique scholarship is paving the way for continued academic excellence for one deserving Seneca Valley student. Leila Wright, an eighth-grade student from Ryan Gloyer Middle School (RGMS), has been selected as a Jack Kent Cooke Young Scholar, one of the most competitive scholarship programs in the country. More than 700 extremely talented students applied this year and Miss Wright is one of only 50 students selected.

The Cooke Young Scholars Program is a pre-college scholarship for high-performing students. Cooke Young Scholars receive comprehensive educational advising and financial support from eighth grade through high school in order to pursue their academic and talent goals. Educational advisers support Young Scholars to help maximize their high school experiences and provide students with resources that help them thrive at the nation’s top-performing colleges. The scholarship provides Cooke-sponsored summer programs, internships and other learning enrichment courses.

“This program changes lives. The Jack Kent Cooke Young Scholar award is going to open doors for Leila through high school and beyond. She will have the opportunity to attend academic programs at top colleges in the U.S. and travel to international programs as well. Knowing Leila, she will eagerly accept these adventures and opportunities to learn,” said Meagan Loewy, gifted support teacher from Ryan Gloyer Middle School.

Through the Cooke Young Scholars Program, Miss Wright will have unique opportunities that may include four-year planning and goal setting; high-quality academic and extracurricular activities throughout the local community, on college campuses and around the globe; resources for career exploration and mentoring; networking with a community of Cooke Young Scholars; college counseling and more.

“I have taught for 22 years, and I can truthfully state that Leila is a once in a lifetime student. She is not only intelligent, but also exudes humility, kindness, compassion, determination and perseverance. I am a better teacher and a better person for having spent a year with Leila,” shared Mike Conlon, social studies teacher at Ryan Gloyer Middle School.

Miss Wright plans to study industrial psychology and world history and is looking forward to learning more about top academic colleges around the country.

“With the scholarship, I am most excited about the opportunities and possibilities that will unfold, such as international travel. Getting this scholarship fills me with a thrill that I cannot put into words,“ said Leila Wright.