We thank all students for their outstanding applications and congratulate the 2024 recipients. We encourage Vermont seniors to apply for a scholarship. Applications available in January.
2024 RECIPIENTS OF THE WINONA SMITH SCHOLARSHIP
APOLINA MBELECI, WINOOSKI HIGH SCHOOL & BURLINGTON TECHNICAL CENTER
Read Apolina’s essay on non-U.S. Citizen Voting | Read Apolina’s essay on Life as a Black Woman from Africa in America
Apolina Mbeleci. resilient, fearless, focused
Apolina’s faith and strong sense of community guides her daily interactions as artist and youth leader. Moving at the age of nine to the United States from a refugee camp in Tanzania, she had no formal education and spoke little English. Overcoming language barriers and cultural shock and adjusting to her new life, Apolina began to take an interest in photography in Grade 10, capturing beauty, spirit, and strength in photos of friends, family, and students.
Her work garnered widespread recognition, earning regional and national accolades from Scholastic Art Awards, Congressional Art Competition for Vermont, and a prestigious American Visions Award. She was also one of five 2024 Vermont Presidential Scholars in the Arts. Apolina will pursue a degree in Photography at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design.
Apolina took on a leadership role at school and in her community fostering a deeper understanding of African experiences in Vermont through the Unheard Stories initiative, Girls Group, and African Microcinema Project at Association of Africans Living in Vermont (AALV.)
In her essay on voting rights, Apolina addresses the issue of non-U.S. citizen voting in Vermont. She believes non-resident voting brings different viewpoints on American culture and contributes all voices to this new country, making it a stronger country overall.
Drawing from personal experience, in her second essay, Apolina reflects on life in the United States as a black woman from Africa. She realizes that voices of people of color are underrepresented and knows her voice will not be heard as easily. However, as a young black woman, she is determined to speak up because silence isn’t the solution.
In his recommendation, Instructor Jason R. praises Apolina’s resilience and strength, acknowledging her fearlessness in assimilating to a completely different environment in Vermont and integrating her work with community and faith.
“Apolina’s focus on community, her strong communication skills, boundless energy to connect with others, and fearlessness to step out of her comfort zone and experience new surroundings have been inspiring…She has consistently demonstrated an ability to produce high quality work and has integrated her work with a sense of community and faith.”
LILY LARSEN, ESSEX HIGH SCHOOL
Read Lily’s essay on Voter Intimidation | Read Lily’s essay on Brazil’s oil company Petrobras drilling in the Amazonian basin
Lily Larsen. poised, compassionate, unflappable
Lily’s strong academic focus, commitment to social justice, and passion for the arts is evident in her school activities. She won the Vermont Affiliate National Center for Women & Information Technology Aspirations in Computing Award for coding and placed third in the National High School Data Science Competition from a pool of approximately 2,500 students. Lily also received a Certificate of Merit from the Vermont High School Prize Examination in Mathematics.
Active since Grade 9 in Students Demand Action and Vermont Student Anti-Racism Network, and in leadership positions in these organizations, Lily helped organize a panel of state lawmakers to address sensible gun legislation in Vermont, arranged workshops and discussion groups on racism, legislation, and prison reform, and selected anti-racism book recommendations with curricular resources for elementary and high school classrooms. She was a board member of Essex Junction’s Brownell Library and Editor-in-Chief of the school newsletter.
In her essay on voting rights, Lily addresses voter intimidation. As a first-time voter she is thankful to feel safe at her polling place. “We need to reduce voter intimidation by outlawing firearms in polling places. No one needs a gun to vote. Ever.”
Writing about an international event, Lily focuses on the adverse effects of corporate involvement in indigenous land disputes. She singles out Petrobras, Brazil’s state-run oil company who is intent on drilling in the Amazon basin. “My blood boils and tears rise to my eyes when I think of the families and ecosystem that will be destroyed, displaced, disheartened, and [I am] disgusted by this territorial breach of their ancestral land.”
Lily is an accomplished pianist who has performed in two benefit concerts. She enjoys reading, hiking, snowboarding, and crossword puzzles, and is passionate about organic farming, equitable education, civic engagement, and universal healthcare.
In her recommendation, Social Studies teacher Amy P. praises Lily’s commitment, leadership, self-discipline, and work ethic.
“Lily commits herself to doing impeccable, high-quality work… She works incredibly hard…and treats every student with complete respect, valuing their input, mentoring younger students. Lily is a bright, talented, compassionate, motivated, and ambitious young woman who will work to make a difference in the world and lives of every community of which she is a part.”
Lily aims to obtain a bachelor’s degree in Biostatistics, specifically in the public health sector, at Middlebury College, Vermont.
BROOKE WHITE, ST. JOHNSBURY ACADEMY
Read Brooke’s essay on non-U.S. Citizen Voting | Read Brooke’s essay on Student Vaping
Brooke White. thoughtful, engaged, good-natured
At the Academy, Brooke was Valedictorian at the 2024 commencement and built leadership qualities during her years on Student Government, Student Council, and National Honor Society. Her favorite Advanced Placement class was Statistics, and Woodworking was the most satisfying. Awards included the National Latin Exam Gold Medalist (Summa Cum Laude) and 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program Letter of Commendation.
An avid track and field athlete, Brooke participated in the 100, 200, 400m, distance relays, discus, shot put, pole vault, and long jump. As one of the best high school athletes in the state, she was State Champion in the 600m Division One, had top time in the 400, and is ranked third in long jump. Her indoor track team placed second (National Elite Division) in the 4000m Distance Medley Relay at Adidas Nationals.
Brooke founded the Student Athletic Advisory Council to help athletes’ voice opinions and shape the future of athletics at the school through participation in pep-chapels and completing coach evaluation forms.
In her essay on non-U.S. citizen voting, Brooke states that taxation without representation permeates Vermont’s voting practices and since non-U.S. citizens are taxed, they should have direct representation in local elections. She suggests introducing a bill to legalize and unify Vermont’s approach to non-citizen voting to ensure fairness across town lines and strengthen us as an example to other states.
Her essay on youth vaping stems from witnessing its effects on athletes and teammates. She closely followed S.18, banning flavored tobacco products and e-liquids, considering it to be a necessary step for preserving the health of Vermont teenagers. The bill was later vetoed.
History teacher Peter M., in his recommendation, praised Brooke’s insight and maturity finding her a thoughtful, engaged leader.
“Brooke’s success in my AP U.S. History class was based on more than innate ability…Brooke looks beyond the latest trends and considers the counterpoint….Her questions were meaningful, intentional, and most often helped others come to a new, complex, and more nuanced understanding…She thinks clearly, writes well, and creates a positive environment wherever she goes.”
Brooke loves horseback riding, hunting, playing ping pong, and making maple syrup with her family! She will be attending Dartmouth College as a pre-med student studying Biochemistry.
RECIPIENTS OF THE WINONA SMITH SCHOLARSHIP
2024
- Brooke White, St. Johnsbury Academy
- Apolina Mbeleci, Winooski High School
- Lily Larsen, Essex High School
2023
- Michael Fernandez, Thetford Academy
- Amanda Gomes, Middlebury Union High School
- Anna Lee, Otter Valley Union High School
- Alexina Peckinpaugh, Windsor High School
2022
- Bethany Davis, Hartford High School
- Kimberly Cummings, Green Mountain Union High School
- Sarah Evans, Stowe Middle/High School
- Janaya Parsons, Bellows Free Academy
2021
- Hussein Amuri, Winooski High School
- Meghan Cole, Burr and Burton Academy
- Grace Coolidge, Otter Valley Union High School
- Bella Thayer, Missisquoi Valley Union High School
2020
- Audrey Grant, Hazen Union High School
- Eva Jessup, U-32 Middle & High School
- Hannah LaRose, South Burlington High School
- Senan Pol, Rutland High School
2019
- Makayla Chouinard, Spaulding High School
- Elexia Hodgdon, Craftsbury High School
- Dharma Neil, Woodstock Union High School
- Jennifer Tedesco, Hazen Union High School
2018
- Anna Beach, Spaulding High School
- Hunter Cliche, Twinfield Union School
- Erin Magill, Harwood Union High School
- Jshauna Tilton, Bellows Free Academy, Fairfax
2017
- Gracie Baker of Bellows Free Academy
- Jennie Mull of Burr and Burton Academy
- Julia Stergas of Bellows Free Academy
2016
- Cordelia Bell, Bellows Free Academy
- Cole LaVoie, Harwood Union High School
- Aenea Mead, Harwood Union High School
- Catherine Ware, Hazen Union School
2015
- Jesse Keel, Arlington High School
- Luke Lapean, Mount Anthony Union High School
- Hannah Patterson, Mount Anthony Union High School
- Isabelle Strong, Stowe High School