WHS juniors earn scholarships for academic excellence in science

picture of science department director handing folders to the two scholarship winners in the  lobby of the high school building.Science department chairperson Walter Bowden surprised two high school juniors with news that they are eligible to receive prestigious college scholarships.

  • Sophia Prew has been awarded the Bausch + Lomb Honorary Science Award for exemplary academic performance in science courses throughout high school.
  • Karina Leibach has been awarded the Rensselaer Medal, a scholarship opportunity through Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) that recognizes promising high school students who have distinguished themselves in mathematics and science.

Bausch + Lomb Honorary Science Award

Sophia qualifies for the Bausch + Lomb Science Scholarship, which provides outstanding high school juniors the opportunity to receive at least $5,000 per year (totaling at least $20,000 over four years) and the application fee is waived, should the nominee decide to enroll at the University of Rochester.

Only high school juniors may be selected for the Bausch + Lomb scholarship based on the following criteria:

  • High achievement and rigor in science classes
  • Positive contribution to their school and within the larger community.

The Rensselaer Medal

Karina is eligible for the $30,000 per year scholarship for outstanding achievement in mathematics and science.  This merit award is guaranteed for four years (or five years for those enrolled in the architecture program) for each medalist who applies to and is accepted at RPI. The Rensselaer Medal, first presented in 1916, serves two purposes:

  • to recognize the superlative academic achievement of young men and women, and;
  • to motivate students to pursue careers in science, engineering and technology.

Congratulations to Sophia and Karina on your outstanding accomplishments!

picture of the two scholarship winners looking at camera holding their certificatespicture of two scholarship winners standing next to the high school principal and in front of the superintendent, the science department chairperson, and two school guidance counselors. All facing forward and smiling at camera.