We thank all students for their outstanding applications and congratulate the 2022 recipients. We encourage Vermont seniors to apply for a scholarship. Applications available in January.
2023 RECIPIENTS OF THE WINONA SMITH SCHOLARSHIP
MICHAEL FERNANDEZ, THETFORD ACADEMY
Read Michael’s essay on voter suppression | Read Michael’s essay on the embargo with Cuba
Michael Fernandez. curious, proactive, grateful
Michael is a remarkable individual recognized for outstanding achievements and commitment to making a difference. He demonstrated exceptional talent and determination, collecting a multitude of awards including First Place Entrepreneurship/Business Pitch Competition at Governor’s Institute of Vermont, Second Place at State Tournament for VEX Robotics, and First, Second, Third Place at Junction Arts & Media (formerly CATV) Television Station Awards.
In his essay on voting rights, Michael addresses the critical issue of voter suppression in the United States. He explores the impact of tactics like voter ID laws, restricted mail-in voting, and closing of polling places, emphasizing the importance of equal access to the political process.
Drawing from personal experiences and family history, Michael shares his passionate thoughts on the embargo with Cuba in his second essay. Advocating for its elimination, he highlights the potential benefits in terms of economic growth, improved diplomatic ties, and better human rights conditions for the Cuban people.
Michael will pursue a degree in International Relations/Global Affairs at George Washington University Elliott School of International Affairs in Washington D.C.
Emily S, English teacher
“Michael is a driven and proactive student who excels in researching opportunities and creating his own path. His intellectual curiosity, love of learning, and systematic problem-solving approach make him an ideal candidate for any scholarship. With his positive attitude and dedication, he will undoubtedly contribute positively to any college community.”
AMANDA GOMES, MIDDLEBURY UNION HIGH SCHOOL
Read Amanda’s essay on voter ID | Read Amanda’s essay on school shootings
Amanda Gomes. compassionate, insightful, resilient
Amanda, a determined student, aims to obtain a master’s degree in Political Science at Northeastern University in Boston. She gained valuable experience through internships in politics and policy, including working on a re-election campaign.
Amanda actively participated in the Women Safe Youth Advisory Board, advocating for consent culture and combating domestic and sexual violence. Her commitment to community extended beyond Middlebury, as she initiated a free tutoring program in Brazil and assisted with a pop-up shop providing food to those in need during the pandemic.
Selected for prestigious programs like the Governor’s Institute of Vermont and Green Mountain Girls State, Amanda also received recognition for academic accomplishments, including the Rural and Small Town Recognition Award and the Hispanic Recognition Award.
In the first essay, Amanda shares thoughts on Voter ID laws as a voting rights issue, emphasizing the financial burden and difficulties in obtaining IDs and the requirement for a birth certificate that can hinder immigrants and individuals who don’t have one. She believes voter ID laws contribute to voting inequality and democratic backsliding.
Amanda’s second essay expresses heartbreak and a revolting lack of shock over the Nashville school shooting, which serves to highlight the alarming frequency of such incidents. Uncertain how to articulate her thoughts on the issue, she shares her fear, devastation, and disappointment, that despite the loss of countless lives, the narrative has not shifted and the necessity for stronger gun regulations to address ongoing school shootings, remain bleak.
Susan A, History Teacher
“Amanda’s deep devotion to making the world a better place is evident in all that she does…Her level of dedication to both her work and her community, local and global, is everything we want our students to be.”
ANNA LEE, OTTER VALLEY UNION HIGH SCHOOL
Read Anna’s essay on election denialism | Read Anna’s essay about her thoughts and feelings following a lockdown on her school campus
Anna Lee. ambitious, dedicated, change-maker
Anna, a driven and ambitious student, has a strong desire to make a positive impact in the world.
Alongside her academic pursuits, Anna gained valuable work experience and volunteered in various roles, displaying a strong work ethic and commitment to giving back to her community. She actively participated in high school activities, including varsity basketball and golf, served as a member of the Student Council, National Honors Society, and Vermont Students Against Racism Network. Anna received the UVM Citizen Scholar Book Award for demonstrating a spirit of citizenship and scholarship and was selected to represent Vermont as a senate delegate at American Legion Auxiliary Girls Nation in D.C.
In her first essay, Anna reflects on the concerning phenomenon of election denialism and the impact it has on undermining the voting process, expressing the need to protect voting rights and strengthen democracy for future elections.
Anna powerful second essay shares personal experience of being in a school lockdown due to an active shooter threat, highlighting the urgent need for gun law reform and prioritizing safety in schools and communities to address the alarming frequency of mass shootings.
Anna will study Public Policy, Legal Studies, and Political Science at Catholic University of America in Washington D.C.
Cameron P, Language Arts teacher
“Never have I ever seen someone so committed to enriching the lives of those around them. Anna takes every responsibility presented to her and does so with selflessness and gusto; not merely seeking to pad her resume or add another checkmark to her list of high-school experiences – rather she partakes in order to make our school a better place.”
ALEXINA PECKINPAUGH, WINDSOR HIGH SCHOOL
Read Alexina’s essay on voting restrictions | Read Alexina’s essay on anti-LGBTQ legislation
Alexina Peckinpaugh. intelligent, friendly, mature
Alexina is an exceptional individual with a strong academic focus and passion for the arts. Involvement in the arts is evident through her work as choreographer for Hartland Elementary School Theater Department and recognition as a nationally and regionally ranked Irish Dancer.
Beyond her studies, Alexina contributed numerous hours to volunteering and organizing events. She held leadership positions in Student Council and Senior class, was a member of the Leader in Me program, Rotary Interact Club, and National Honors Society, medaled gold at the State Science Fair, and received the Dartmouth Book Award. Alexina is a three-time Division III Field Hockey State Champion and captain of the Yellow Jackets Field Hockey team.
In her first essay, Alexina addresses the importance of unhindered voting access, highlighting concerns about restrictions on mail-in voting, stricter voter ID policies, and attempts to remove voting stations from college campuses. Her second essay discusses the alarming rise in anti-LGBTQ legislation, emphasizing the impact on transgender rights and the need to combat harmful rhetoric and policies.
With a keen interest in English, Classics, and History, Alexina’s career objective is to be an author or editor. She will be attending Mount Holyoke College.
Richard Z, English Teacher
“When I think of Alexina, I think of someone who is intelligent, curious, friendly, mature, and driven. She is responsible and has an excellent set of values. She fully understands the benefits of learning and hard work. She would be a positive addition to any college or university.”
RECIPIENTS OF THE WINONA SMITH SCHOLARSHIP
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
