Rising ninth-graders who have an interest in attending The O'Neal School for their high school years are encouraged to apply for three scholarships that are offered.

The O'Neal School recommends those students who set a high standard for themselves in the areas of citizenship, extracurricular activities and academic achievement to apply for the scholarships.

The Helen Pringle Holmberg Scholarship is given by the Holmberg family in honor of their daughter, a member of the Class of 1997 and The O'Neal School's first John Motley Morehead Scholarship recipient. With eligibility requirements similar to those of the Morehead, the Helen Pringle Holmberg Scholarship is awarded to a rising ninth-grader, who has at least an A- cumulative academic average for grades seven and eight and whom the scholarship committee deems the most outstanding candidate. The scholarship covers 75 percent of the Upper School tuition and is renewable each year through grade 12 as long as the student's cumulative grade point average remains at 3.5 (B+) or greater.

The Nuzzo Family Foundation Scholarship is given by Mr. and Mrs. Sal Nuzzo in honor of the Rev. John Nicola, a retired priest who was for many years O'Neal's Latin instructor. The Nuzzo family recognizes the importance of a strong educational background. A full four-year O'Neal Upper School scholarship, the award is given to a rising ninth-grader who is not currently an O'Neal student and whose family demonstrates financial need. The scholarship covers 100 percent of the Upper School tuition and is renewable each year through grade 12 as long as the student's cumulative average remains at 3.5 (B+) or greater.

The Hannah Marie Bradshaw Scholarship is given in memory of Hannah Marie Bradshaw, whose enthusiasm, curiosity, and spirit of friendship enhanced the character of her O'Neal class.

She loved The O'Neal School as a positive place that helped her reach her true potential. The Hannah Marie Bradshaw Scholarship is a $5,000 scholarship given to a rising ninth-grader who is not currently an O'Neal student and whose family demonstrates financial need. The scholarship is renewable each year through grade 12 as long as the student's cumulative grade point average remains at 3.5 (B+) or greater.

"The Hannah Marie Bradshaw Scholarship is our newest scholarship," says Alice Droppers, director of admissions. "We encourage the recipient of this scholarship to apply for financial aid as an additional supplement to offset tuition."

A diversity of students from different communities and socio-economic backgrounds is important for the environment The O'Neal School promotes. A part of the "Complete the Vision" capital campaign, currently underway at The O'Neal School, is dedicated to developing more scholarships to help supplement the financial aid program so that deserving students who have potential to thrive at The O'Neal School can have that opportunity.

The O'Neal school also offers transportation services for a separate fee. O'Neal school buses have routes serving students who reside in Moore, Lee, Scotland, Richmond and Montgomery counties.

Presently, five of the seven National Merit Semifinalists selected in Moore County this year are O'Neal students. A member of the National Association for Independent Schools, The O'Neal School is a college preparatory school serving students from Pre-K to Grade 12. As expected, 100% of The O'Neal School's graduating seniors are accepted to colleges and universities across the nation.

To receive an application or for more information, visit www.onealschool.org or call Droppers at 910-692-6920. All completed applications must be received on or before March 20.