Scholarships

The McCarthy scholarship is awarded to a student each year who has shown that she goes beyond academics and school projects, using her own initiative to pursue an activity outside of school requirements in a significant way. This scholarship could be awarded for accomplishments in any number of disciplines, including but not limited to theater, community service, writing, and sports. This award provides full-tuition for two years, not including room and board. It will be awarded to a new student entering the tenth or eleventh grade, with preference for financial assistance to help with the cost of room and board.

The Barbara M. Klarsch Scholarship was established in 1999 by family and friends to honor Barbara Klarsch, a beloved fifth grade teacher who taught at AWS from 1988 to 1997. This one-year partial scholarship will be awarded to a Lower School student who has attended AWS for at least one year. This student will be academically gifted and have the potential for making a significant contribution to the AWS community. This scholarship is open to all nominated students currently enrolled in grades Kindergarten through four, regardless of financial assistance status. Candidates will be nominated by their teacher and chosen by the Scholarship Committee.

The Frances A. Backus Scholarship was established in 1987 by Mr. and Mrs. Manson F. Backus, former long-term members of the Board of Trustees and the Alumnae Board. This two-year half tuition scholarship (does not include room and board) is awarded to a new student entering the ninth or tenth grade who shows academic promise and a positive balance of talent and leadership. The scholarship winner may also apply for financial assistance if she needs additional assistance to help with the cost of room and board.

The Harriet Broughton Bishop Scholarship was established by Mort and Brot Bishop, sons of Harriet Broughton Bishop, a notable member of the Class of 1916. This one-year full tuition scholarship (does not include room and board) is awarded to an outstanding student from a rural community. The candidate must qualify for financial assistance and intend to reside in the School's boarding program.

To honor Leslie Carol Martinac, an alumna of AWS who died in 1995, her family established the Leslie Carol Martinac Scholarship in 1999. This is a one-year partial scholarship for a Lower School student, with preference for a new student entering the first or second grade. The student will be academically competent and will especially benefit from the caring environment of the School. The student's family must apply and qualify for financial assistance, according to the 2007-2008 formula calculated by School and Student Service (SSS). Interested families should contact the Admission Office to request an application. Candidates will be nominated by their teachers and chosen by the Scholarship Committee.

The Marie (Becky) Betchard Iverson Memorial Scholarship was established in 2000 by the family of Becky Iverson ('32) to honor her memory and her love of athletics. The scholarship will be awarded to a new or returning student in the AWS Upper School who has a particular interest in athletics, preferably golf. It is a one-year award of approximately $1,500. Scholarship winners may apply for financial assistance to help with the remaining cost of tuition, room and board.

The Sabin Stevens Lower School Scholarship was established to honor Sabin Stevens, a beloved Kindergarten teacher who retired in 1998 after 22 years of service to AWS. This scholarship is awarded to a student who shares Sabin's infectious love of learning, her inimitable sense of fun, her intellectual curiosity, and her care and respect for all people. It is a one-year partial scholarship for a Lower School student, with preference to a returning student entering the first grade. The student's family must apply and qualify for financial assistance, according to the 2007-2008 formula calculated by School and Student Service (SSS). Interested families should contact the Admission Office to request an application. Candidates will be nominated by their teachers and chosen by the Scholarship Committee.

The Annie Wright Middle School Scholarship was established in 2003. This one-year partial scholarship will be awarded to a new or returning sixth grade student. The student will be academically able and have the potential for making a significant contribution to the AWS community. This scholarship is open to all students currently enrolled in the AWS Fifth Grade and/or new students entering the sixth grade, regardless of financial assistance status. Candidates will be chosen by the Scholarship Committee.

The Annie Wright Upper School Scholarship was established in 2003. This one-year partial scholarship will be awarded to an AWS Middle School student entering the Ninth Grade. The student will be academically able and have the potential for making a significant contribution to the AWS community. This scholarship is open to all students currently enrolled in the AWS 8th Grade, regardless of financial assistance status. Candidates will be nominated by their teachers and chosen by a Scholarship Committee.

Outstanding students who are not awarded the Backus, Bishop, or McCarthy Scholarships may receive an Annie Wright School Board of Trustees Award for part or all of their AWS tuition. These young women demonstrate academic excellence and an ability to contribute to the AWS community through their specific area of interest, such as the arts, music, athletics, writing, speaking, and or leadership.

Trustee scholarships can be awarded to exceptional applicants who the Admission Committee believes will significantly improve the academic and/or extra-curricular life of the School.