Moses Brown student named Jefferson scholar

DANIEL WARD, a senior at Moses Brown School, has been named a Jefferson Scholar at the University of Virginia. / COURTESY MOSES BROWN SCHOOL
DANIEL WARD, a senior at Moses Brown School, has been named a Jefferson Scholar at the University of Virginia. / COURTESY MOSES BROWN SCHOOL

PROVIDENCE – Daniel Ward, a senior at Moses Brown School, has been named a Jefferson Scholar at the University of Virginia.
Named after Thomas Jefferson, founder of the University of Virginia, the program aims to produce leaders, providing financial support so they can develop their talents and use them for the good of the university community.
Ward, of North Providence, received a $240,000 scholarship that will cover the entire cost of attendance for four years at the university. The award includes tuition, fees, books, supplies, room, board, personal expenses and additional enrichment experiences.
The aim of the Jefferson Scholars program is to identify, attract and nurture individuals of extraordinary intellectual range and depth who possess the highest qualities of leadership, scholarship and citizenship.
Kelsey Petrie, from St. Mary Academy Bay View, was Rhode Island’s last Jefferson Scholar, graduating from the university in 2014.
Jefferson Scholarships are awarded solely on merit. No student may apply for a Jefferson Scholarship directly; all must be nominated by an eligible school. Ward is the first Moses Brown student to receive this recognition.
Ward was one of 120 finalists – and one of two from Rhode Island – invited to Charlottesville, Va., for the rigorous Jefferson Scholarship Selection Weekend in March. This four-day competition included participation in seminars led by university professors, a written exercise, a math/logic exam and a personal interview. At the conclusion, the Selection Committee named Ward as a recipient of this year’s Jefferson Scholarship.
According to Moses Brown, Ward is excited to accept this scholarship offer, joining 34 other 2015 Jefferson Scholars and a network of scholars from across the country and globe.
Ward, who joined Moses Brown in sixth grade, is co-captain of the school fencing club and received two significant academic honors in his junior year – the Claiborne Pell Medal for excellence in American history and the Ben Tré award for achievement in visual arts.

He was editor-in-chief of the school literary magazine, president of the school’s improvisational comedy troupe and a member of the school’s Disciplinary Committee. He also is a member of SLAM (Student Leaders Aiming for Multiculturalism) and a student representative to the Rhode Island for Community Justice’s Youth Action Council.

“During the Jefferson Scholar process, I started to understand what is important to me, what really defines me,” Ward said in a statement. “English, classics and the arts are where I’m involved. I’m also passionate about social activism and education. It was a transcendental moment, when I realized I really wish to see reform in these areas. The college process can provide that kind of insight for you. Don’t discount what you’re impassioned about: honor it.”

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