Brian Brady ’24. Photo: Mr. Michael Aldridge.
Athletic achievements are often praised at Northwood. We take pride in our academic and athletic accomplishments, but there’s less buzz about who is killing it in the classroom. This past week, senior Brian Brady received a prestigious academic honor, the Jefferson Scholarship at the University of Virginia.
The Jefferson Scholarship is a four-year full scholarship to UVA, one of the top universities in the nation. According to the Jefferson Scholars website, approximately 840,000 seniors are eligible for the scholarship each year, and 2,100 become candidates. Only 30 students per class get this distinction, and the scholarship covers everything, from tuition, room, and board to travel expenses and summer enrichment.
Brady, a senior from Lake Placid, is thrilled. “I was very excited when I opened the letter. I already liked the school a lot, so I am extremely happy,” he said.
“It means a lot to me because it’s a top university and I’m going for free, and I get access to a special network within the university,” Brady said. “I think it will make it easier for me to have a successful time in college and after college,” he added.
Jefferson scholars often have an accelerated plan for their time in Virginia, and Brian is excited about the possibilities. “A lot of Jefferson scholars graduate in two years and then go on to get a master’s degree because the scholarship pays for four years of college,” he said. “I feel like I’d be stupid not to go,” he said.
While he hasn’t heard from all of the colleges he’s applied to, Brian will likely attend UVA, and everyone at Northwood is proud.
