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.

Julia Rickard, Meagan Watkins and Eleanor Brightbill were recipients of last year's scholarships. These O'Neal freshmen share their experiences.

Meagan Watkins is a Nuzzo Scholar who is experiencing a big change in the classroom.

"Prior to coming to O'Neal, there could be as many as 30 students in a class," Watkins says. "At O'Neal, the class size is much smaller. I enjoy having more attention from my teachers, and the ability to easily ask my teachers questions -- one on one."

Outside of the classroom, Meagan has observed a strong mutual respect among students. She is a member of the Key Club at school and played tennis in the fall. Outside of school, she plays the violin in the Moore Philharmonic as well as competes in all state and all county competitions. Presently, Meagan has set her goals to achieve high honors as she aspires to be the valedictorian of her class. After high school, she plans to study medicine.

The Nuzzo Family Foundation Scholarship is given by Mr. and Mrs. Sal Nuzzo in honor of the Rev. John Nicola, a retired priest who for many years was 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.

Julia Rickard, a Holmberg Scholar, is also striving for valedictorian or salutatorian of her class with the underlying goal to do her best. Julia is a Sanford resident and has been attending The O'Neal School since kindergarten. Julia is a member of SuperFans, a spirit organization supporting athletic events, and the Key Club.

"Super Fans is great and being a member of the Key Club is a good way to get involved," she says.

She is also participating in the track team this spring. After high school, Julia plans to study in the area of forensics or anthropology.

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.

Eleanor (Ellie) Brightbill is a Bradshaw Scholar who has just finished competing on The O'Neal School swim team. A Sanford resident, Ellie is enjoying the feel of a smaller school.

"There are fewer students for each teacher, which is good," says Ellie, "and still there are plenty of people around to have many friends."

Ellie comments that some of her courses, such as history and science are much more challenging and in-depth than her previous experiences. In addition to swimming, Ellie is a member of the school's film club. Outside of school, Ellie plays the cello, participates in many local plays and rides horses.

"I want to learn as much as I can, and I want to help other people learn," she says.

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.

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. The O'Neal School is dedicated to developing more scholarships in the future 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.

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 percent of The O'Neal School's graduating seniors are accepted to colleges and universities across the nation.

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 Droppers at (910) 692-6920. All completed applications must be received on or before March 24.