Two rising ninth graders have been chosen to receive four-year scholarships at The O’Neal School. Max Pashley has been awarded the Helen Pringle Holmberg Scholarship. Ava Louise Sounia is the recipient of the Hannah Marie Bradshaw Scholarship.
The 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 Head of School John Elmore.
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 that meet grade-point average requirements and are nominated by O’Neal faculty are considered. This scholarship recognizes leadership, scholarship, moral force of character and physical vigor.
Max is the son of Susan and Tom Pashley of Pinehurst. He is the 23rd Holmberg Scholar. Max is a three-season student-athlete for soccer, basketball and baseball. Max has been active with residents in Belle Meade Assisted Living prior to the pandemic, a member of his church youth group and active participant in many clubs at school.
These finalists are Alexis Coates, Grace Simpson, Audrey Kim, Lauren Kuhn, Mary Earhart and Rachel Wolff. Merit awards in the amount of $2000 will be applied as a credit on each finalist’s tuition account for the 20-21 academic year.
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.
Ava Sounia comes from New Century Middle School in Carthage and is the 16th recipient of the scholarship. She is the daughter of Phillip and the late Genevieve Sounia.
Ava is a soccer player, cheerleader and has earned her brown belt in Tae Kwon Do. She is also a member of her church youth group, the Rubies Girls Club and plays the piano and clarinet.
Applications for these scholarships are accepted at the beginning of each calendar year. Visit The O’Neal School website for more information.
Courtesy photos/Contributed.
