We are eagerly anticipating the nominations of high school seniors from across the country for our fifth class of the Torch Scholars Program. This Friday, January 15, marks the final day that a teacher, counselor or community member can nominate a student for the Torch Scholars Program. So far, we have received just over 500 nominations, which is the largest number of nominations received for the Program in its four-year history! We are beginning to read applications and nominations and are impressed by the students' stories of resilience, persistance, and motivation. We count on our nominators to give the Torch Selection Committee a personal perspective of their students, and we appreciate the time and energy that goes into writing a nomination (or nominations!) for the Torch Scholars Program. As Director of the Torch Scholars Program, I love this time of year because I get to meet so many talented, creative, and courageous students through thoughtful college essays, applications, and nominations. Our Torch Selection Committee will be busy over the next month or so as we engage in a rigorous selection process to build Torch Class 5. Check the Torch blog frequently for updates on the selection process as well as entries from current Torch Scholars. I know that senior year at this time is often stressful for many students, but remember to push forward and do your best to get to your ultimate goals of graduation and college!
- Jana McCarthy, Director, Torch Scholars Program
