
(Pictured L to R) Upper School Coordinator, Jennifer Smith; Monk Family Scholar, Aaliyah Smith; Bill & Agnes Monk Family Foundation, William Monk; and Head of School, Dan Quesnel
The Oakwood School is pleased to congratulate Aaliyah Smith for being awarded the first ever Monk Family Scholarship for the 2019-20 school year. Aaliyah is the daughter of Germaine and Camillia Smith of Greenville.
Aaliyah came to Oakwood from E.B. Aycock Middle School. She wanted to attend Oakwood for its academic opportunities and small class sizes, as well as participate in our theatrical productions and sing in chorus. Aaliyah described herself as intelligent, interesting, creative, analytical, open-minded, and innovative. She has previously been involved with extracurricular activities like Robotics, Beta Club, singing/chorus, art, volleyball, church youth group, and dancing. Science is her favorite subject. Her former English teacher describes Aaliyah as being a smart, caring student and a leader with the ability to work well with others.
The Bill & Agnes Monk Family Foundation has endowed four, renewable FULL tuition Monk Family Scholarships for students to attend The Oakwood School. The scholarship is open to all families of new rising 9th through 12th grade students. Each applicant must successfully complete Oakwood's admissions and financial assistance process and participate in a panel interview. Selection criteria are based on exhibiting merit qualities that reflect Oakwood's Portrait of a Graduate including character, integrity, service, academic achievement, leadership, inspiration and extracurricular involvement, as well as demonstrating financial need.
Upper School Coordinator Jennifer Smith commented, "Aaliyah's transition to Oakwood has been seamless. She has easily adopted the culture of the Upper School and shown excellence in her academics. On the social front, she has easily assimilated in the 9th grade. You would never know this was her first year. I am thrilled to have Aaliyah as a part of Oakwood's Class of 2023."
In regards to her transition to The Oakwood School, Aaliyah Smith said, "The Oakwood students made me feel right at home and as though I have been here just as long as they have. They were generous in showing me the ropes and telling me things I needed to know and that I might not be used to. No one acted different towards me because I was new. Since my siblings have been here for a while, I was lucky to have met some of my classmates beforehand which helped too. I really feel like I belong here."