Montverde Academy is proud to announce that Molly Smith, senior, has been selected by the Bryan Cameron Education Foundation as one of the 15 recipients of the 2020 Cameron Impact Scholarship, and one of three from the state of Florida.
The members of the Class of 2020 Cameron Impact Scholars have each earned a four-year, merit-based scholarship to cover the full tuition and educational expenses at their chosen collegiate institutions. Scholars are able to attend any U.S. university to which they are accepted and major in any academic area of their choosing. This prestigious group of young leaders, shares a unified goal of making a positive impact in the greater community and world.
According to the Foundation, they received more than 2,700 applications for this year’s Cameron Impact Scholarship from all 50 states and abroad. Following an online application process, 100 finalists from 34 states and/or territories were selected for in-person interviews. A Cameron Impact Scholar must demonstrate a positive engagement in community service, exhibit strong leadership qualities, be active in extracurricular activities, show strength in academics, and, most notably, show a true passion to use their individual gifts and talents to make a tangible and positive impact on the world around them.
“Every year we are overwhelmed with the incredible promise and passion of this upcoming renaissance generation,” said Amie Lucas, Executive Director of the Bryan Cameron Education Foundation. “The diversity of focus is exceptional, but the common intention of making this world a better place is humbling. These young leaders exhibit a high-level of integrity and maturity without sacrificing balance in life and the beauty of their youth. It is such a gift to know them and learn from them.”
“I am so incredibly honored and thankful to be included in such a group of scholars and activists,” said Molly. “It is these students that I hope to learn more about and share their stories to bring about positive change. I am forever grateful to my parents, Dr. Kesselring and Mr. Jim Seaney for making me into the person I am today.”
Molly Smith is a writer, filmmaker and storyteller. Her work has been profiled in online at Today.com and PopSugar. “I Don’t Know,” the short film she wrote and directed, used poetry to speak about race issues in America. It was screened at more than 18 film festivals nationwide, and won six top awards. Her next film, “Dear America” highlighted the effects of gun violence on Generation Z, and has more than half-a-million views online, a National Student Emmy, and the National Coalition Against Censorship’s Youth Free Expression Film Award.
Beyond her film work, Molly enjoys speaking to students and community groups about the importance of using art for social change in her #GENZSPEAKS campaign. An accomplished playwright, her dystopian play, “God Bless America” went on to win a Scholastic National Gold Medal in 2019 and was featured on stage at the Be Original Theatre Festival in Orlando, Fla., winning her the award for top playwright under age 24. Her writing was recognized with a 2019 National Student Production Emmy in the writing craft category. Molly’s goal is to use the medium of film and her passion as a writer to tell stories that spark conversations and change perspectives. She will graduate from Montverde Academy in Montverde, Florida and plans to attend college to study screenwriting and film.
“Molly is an exceptional student who continues to achieve every goal she sets for herself,” said Dr. Kasey C. Kesselring, Headmaster, Montverde Academy. “As a student who has been part of the MVA community since a very young age, we have been able to watch Molly become an exceptional storyteller and driven student. The entire Montverde Academy congratulates Molly on her achievement, and we look forward to seeing what the future holds for this gifted artist and student.”
About the Bryan Cameron Education Foundation
The Bryan Cameron Education Foundation is a private, family foundation which was established by the Bay Area philanthropist, Bryan Cameron, in 2015 on the principle of making an impact. Through its four-year undergraduate scholarship program, the Foundation aims to provide ample support for extraordinary young adults who see their college education as a stepping stone toward a lifetime of contribution to the greater good. Bryan Cameron, Founder, said, “We welcome our new Scholars into the Bryan Cameron Education Foundation.
About Montverde Academy:
Montverde Academy is a private, independent college preparatory school for grades Pre-K3 through post-graduate studies, with a boarding program serving grades 7-12 representing 90+ nationalities. Our mission is to inspire students to become knowledgeable leaders with global vision and passion for learning, in a disciplined and diverse community that nurtures character development. For more information about MVA, visit us online at Montverde.org, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter.
