SOUTHERN PINES — A reception was held recently for applicants and recipients of O’Neal’s Upper School Scholarships.

Three rising ninth graders have been chosen to receive four-year scholarships. Maggie Jackson, an O’Neal School eighth grader and Rockingham resident, has been awarded the Helen Pringle Holmberg Scholarship.

Leslea Everett; currently attending Springhill Middle School in Laurinburg, has been awarded the Nuzzo Family Foundation Scholarship.  Courtney Morrison; an eighth grader from New Century Middle School in Cameron, is the recipient of the Hannah Marie Bradshaw Scholarship.

Jackson, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Jackson of Rockingham, becomes the 11th Holmberg Scholar.  She is a member of the O’Neal Junior Beta Club and is active with her church. She plays volleyball, basketball and is a member of the varsity soccer team. Maggie has attended O’Neal since kindergarten and has participated in the Young Author’s Writing Competition as well as the Moore County Writer’s Competition for several years.  

O’Neal senior and past Nuzzo recipient, Kitan Akinosho and O’Neal senior and past Holmberg recipient, Ben Jackson addressed those in attendance. Each of them talked of how an O’Neal education has made a difference in their lives, from academic success to life skills – such as responsibility.

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.

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.

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. Leslea Everett, O’Neal’s tenth Nuzzo Scholar, is a member of the Jr. Beta Club and volunteer club. She plays the clarinet in band in addition to softball and cheerleading. Leslea is active with her church youth group and enjoys babysitting. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Darrell Everett of Laurel Hill.

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. Courtney Morrison, the fourth recipient of the scholarship -is the daughter of Ms. Elizabeth Morrison of Carthage. Also a Junior Beta Club member, Courtney plays soccer and the flute in the school band. Courtney is a dedicated nursery worker for her church.

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