CONTRIBUTED

A reception was held for applicants and recipients of O'Neal's Upper School scholarships.

Three rising ninth-graders have been chosen to receive four-year scholarships. Jarred Jenkinson, an eighth-grade student from Spring Hill Middle School in Laurinburg, has been awarded the Helen Pringle Holmberg scholarship. Emma Marie Wilkinson, also attending Spring Hill Middle School, has been awarded the Nuzzo Family Foundation scholarship. Lara Allen, from West Pine Middle School in West End, is the recipient of the Hannah Marie Bradshaw scholarship.

O'Neal senior and past Bradshaw recipient Christian Crumpton and O'Neal senior and past Holmberg recipient Maura Thornton addressed those in attendance. Crumpton elaborated on her high school education and the impact O'Neal has made on her success. Thornton advised the recipients to get involved, take steps outside of their comfort zones and take advantage of the opportunities offered to them.

The Nuzzo, Holmberg and Bradshaw scholars are selected based upon the students' demonstration of scholastic ability, leadership potential and strength of character.

The scholarship process included an extensive application with essays and an interview with members of O'Neal's board of trustees and O'Neal's headmaster, Alan Barr.

The Helen Pringle Holmberg scholarship is given in honor of Helen Holmberg, an O'Neal graduate and the school's first John Motley Morehead scholarship recipient. Helen's father, the late Centre W. Holmberg Jr., served as chairman of O'Neal's board of trustees. Current O'Neal students, as well as students from other schools, are considered.

Jarred Jenkinson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Scott Jenkinson, of Laurinburg, becomes the 13th Holmberg scholar. Jarred plays trombone in his school band and qualified for the 2011 Southeastern All-District Band. He also plays baseball. Jarred is the first non-O'Neal student to have been awarded the Holmberg Scholarship.

The Nuzzo Family Foundation scholarship is given by Mr. and Mrs. Sal Nuzzo in honor of Father John Nicola, a retired priest who was a beloved Latin teacher at O'Neal. Students not currently enrolled at O'Neal are considered.

Emma Marie Wilkinson, O'Neal's 12th Nuzzo scholar, is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Philip Wilkinson, of Laurinburg. Emma plays the flute in her school band and provides community outreach with her church youth group. She enjoys playing volleyball and has acquired a love for the French language.

The Hannah Marie Bradshaw scholarship is given in memory of Hannah Marie Bradshaw. Hannah spent half of her life as an O'Neal student, and she loved the school as a positive place that helped her reach her true potential. Students not currently enrolled at O'Neal are considered.

Lara Allen, the sixth recipient of the scholarship, is the daughter of Ms. Lisa Allen Webster, of Pinehurst. Lara is a cheerleader and participates in her school's chorus.

Applications for these scholarships are accepted at the beginning of each calendar year. They can be obtained by visiting The O'Neal School website, www.ONealSchool.org.

An independent, college preparatory school for pre-kindergarten through grade 12, The O'Neal School is dedicated to the development of academic excellence, strength of character and physical well-being of its students. A national visitation site for the Core Knowledge curriculum, The O'Neal School prides itself on having 100 percent of its graduating seniors receive acceptances to colleges and universities throughout the nation.

The O'Neal School is currently accepting enrollment applications for the 2011-2012 school year. For more information, contact Alice Droppers at (910) 692-6920 or visit www.ONealSchool.org.