UMKC group awards seven for 2017
Caroline Moriarty, a spring 2017 Roosevelt High School graduate, has been named a University of Missouri-Kansas City Trustees’ Scholar.
When Moriarty enters the political science program at UMKC in the fall, she will receive a scholarship valued at $60,000 over four years. Her award is supported by the UMKC Board of Trustees, the founder of the scholarship program.
Moriarty graduated at the top of her class. She worked as a page in the U.S. Senate for the Republican Party in the summer of 2016 and was the 2016 lieutenant governor of South Dakota American Legion Auxiliary Girls State. She participated in debate, orchestra, choir, student council and Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA). Moriarty was a Young Elected Legislative Leaders Fellows student campaign manager for two local candidates running for the state legislature; was a school representative for the Superintendent’s Forum; and was active in St. Katharine Drexel Parish as a choir member, lector and religious education teacher.
In the essay submitted to the Trustees’ Scholars selection committee, Moriarty said UMKC will help her gain the skills necessary to understand the intricacies of policy making and will give her a foundation for success.
“My summer in the Senate led me to consider a major in political science. I truly believe that the next generation of policymakers can make the most positive change if they work together and understand their similarities before pointing out their differences.
“In addition, Kansas City is known for the arts. As a violin player, it would be a great opportunity for me to attend a college and live in a city that respects the arts so much. I am also excited at the prospect of more diversity that a larger city will provide. As I look to the next four years, I believe that UMKC will give me the experiences and ability to change the world I live in for the better.”
The Trustees Scholarship provides educational fees and on-campus room and board for the first two years. In the third and fourth years, the package provides educational fees and $2,000 for room and board. Each Trustees’ Scholar also receives $500 toward books each year.
To qualify as Trustees’ Scholars, students must meet at least two of the following three criteria: score a minimum ACT Composite of 30, rank in the top five percent of the graduating class, or have a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or more in a 17-class core curriculum. Trustees’ Scholars must enroll full time, be seeking an undergraduate degree and commit to living on campus for the first two years.
The UMKC Trustees’ Scholars Program is unique in that it aligns students closely with corporate sponsors, who give students access to their professional knowledge and experience, insight into the inner workings of the company or institution they represent, and a strong mentor relationship throughout the college experience. Students have opportunities to network and find internships or jobs through the Trustees and their connections in the community.