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.

Scholarships for O'Neal's Upper School have broadened horizons for deserving students.

Katie Beauchamp is a Nuzzo Scholar who is finishing up her senior year. President of the O'Neal Volunteers, a member of the International Club as well as the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), Beauchamp has achieved academically and has grown to be a responsible, caring young adult.

"It's a different culture academically at O'Neal," she says. "We have a comfortable interaction with our teachers and they are always available for extra help. In turn, the teachers, expect your participation in class and they grade you on it."

The O'Neal School encourages community service and gives privileges to seniors who keep a certain grade-point average. In turn, Beauchamp is able to drive to Southern Pines Elementary once a week during school hours to serve as a student mentor. She has received letters of acceptance to Toccoa Falls College and Covenant College, both in Georgia, as well as Montreat College, UNC-Asheville and Appalachian State, all in North Carolina.

Kitan Akinosho, also a Nuzzo Scholar, is the junior class president, a member of the O'Neal Volunteers, a student ambassador, member of FCA and plays on the varsity girls' basketball team.

"I find that O'Neal has an inviting atmosphere. There is no bullying; it's a happy school," says Akinosho. "O'Neal prepares you for college, and everyone goes to college. You meet people quickly, and even though they all aren't your best friends, you know everyone."

Akinosho travels from Sanford to attend O'Neal.

Both Beauchamp and Akinosho have been inducted into the National Honor Society.

Emma Craven, a Nuzzo Scholar as well, is a sophomore who is on the varsity cheerleading squad, on the yearbook staff and is also a student ambassador.

"Winning the Nuzzo scholarship has given me more confidence and belief in myself," she says. "Since I have been attending O'Neal, I am more open to people and not as shy. I love the foreign language classes. I take French and I'm only allowed to speak French in class -- no English."

According to Craven, O'Neal is "more" of everything. It has a more relaxing atmosphere, but there is more work as the classes are challenging.

Tommy Miller, a Bradshaw Scholar, is a sophomore student who is on the track team, cross country team, the Key Club and the Electronics Entertainment Club.

"My eighth-grade teacher recommended that I apply for the O'Neal scholarships," he says. "I would not have come to O'Neal without this scholarship opportunity.

According to Tommy, he feels that it is less intimidating having a smaller class size making it easier for him to speak up. He enjoys the fan club and the school spirit. The intramural program in the Upper School allows Tommy to get to know others in the Upper School and not just in his grade.

Scholarships Available

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."

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 Helen Pringle Holmberg Scholarship is given by the Holmberg family in honor of their daughter, a member of the O'Neal 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.

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.

There is one application to complete for consideration for any of the three scholarships. To receive an application or for more information, visit www.onealschool.org or call Alice Droppers, director of admissions at (910) 692-6920.

All completed applications must be received on or before March 25.