BOONE, N.C. — Six students have been named Wilson Scholars at Appalachian State University. The Wilson Scholars Program is the university’s premier, merit-based scholarship program that blends academic excellence, leadership and service. It covers full institutional cost and provides students with an additional $10,000 experiential learning stipend.

The 2018 recipients are East Mecklenburg High School senior Annabelle “Annie” Manges, of Charlotte; A.C. Reynolds High School senior Hannah Lancaster, of Asheville; Heritage High School senior Kara Haselton, of Raleigh; Pensacola High School senior Mollie Donovan, of Pensacola, Florida; Western Guilford High School senior Nataly Jimenez, of High Point; and Franklin High School senior Rachel Ramakrishnan, of Franklin, Wisconsin.

The scholarship was established as Appalachian’s premier scholarship program in 2013 with a generous donation from Brad and Carole Wilson, Appalachian alumni of the Class of 1975. Brad Wilson is the former CEO of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, and Carole Wilson is a member of the Appalachian State University Board of Trustees.

“Everyone associated with the Wilson Scholars Program is excited about the new cohort of Wilson Scholars who will begin classes at Appalachian during the fall 2018 semester,” said Dr. Michael Mayfield, faculty director of the Wilson Scholars Program. “These are six individuals who will indeed make the world a better place and will use their learning experiences at Appalachian to make those things happen.”

2018 Wilson Scholars

Annabelle “Annie” Manges

Manges, who intends to major in global studies and political science, is the founder of a service and advocacy club working with the refugee population in Charlotte. In addition to involvement with student government and the National Honor Society, Manges was a dedicated member of the cross-country and track teams at East Mecklenburg High School and is a CrossFit enthusiast.

Her career goals involve international volunteer work with the United Nations or a nongovernmental organization. Manges plans on studying abroad and said she is “looking forward to being able to have multiple, amazing learning experiences while being pushed out of my comfort zone and exploring the world!” Manges is the daughter of Bryan and Meghan Manges.

Hannah Lancaster

Lancaster, who intends to major in special education, is the founder and leader of the Asheville chapter of Youth 4 Abolition, a group of middle school through college-age students working to raise awareness about sex trafficking and raising funds for survivors living in North Carolina. An avid lover of the outdoors, Lancaster said she is excited about joining the Boone community and living on Appalachian’s campus, which she said already feels like “an extension of home.”

Lancaster is most looking forward to “being surrounded by people with a passion to teach,” she said. “It will be motivating and encouraging to learn from, and alongside, current and future educators.” She is the daughter of Mark and Trish Lancaster.

Kara Haselton

Haselton, who intends to major in sociocultural anthropology, was editor-in-chief of her high school’s student-run newspaper, is on the board of directors of a social advocacy nonprofit called Operation Wisdom and is an entrepreneur, selling typography at craft fairs and online.

Haselton said she is excited to thrive in Appalachian’s environment of experiential-based learning and its vibrant community of passionate students and professors, and she looks forward to studying abroad during her time at Appalachian.

Haselton said she hopes to become a photojournalist and “use that medium to educate others about the different cultures, perspectives and issues happening in the world.” She is the daughter of Mary Jo and Billy Haselton.

Mollie Donovan

Donovan, who intends to major in sociocultural anthropology, is an art, music and theatre enthusiast and a mentor to elementary school students, as well as the president of a local teen service-learning center. Passionate about human sustainability and the environment, Donovan said she is looking forward to living in the Blue Ridge Mountains, which she hopes will “pull her closer to nature, helping her to understand the implications of her actions.”

Donovan said she is excited for the opportunity to study what she loves: culture. In the future, she plans to pursue a doctoral degree while traveling the world prior to seeking employment at a university or government agency. Donovan is the daughter of Frederick and Leslie Donovan.

Nataly Jimenez

Jimenez, who intends to major in sociology with a concentration in criminology, deviance and law, was involved with her high school marching band and teaching art in her local community. At Appalachian, she said she looks forward to joining hiking groups, learning another instrument and becoming a member of a community that already feels like home.

In the future, Jimenez plans to attend graduate school with the goal of becoming a lawyer. She is the daughter of Afias and Josefina Jimenez.

Rachel Ramakrishnan

Ramakrishnan, who intends to major in nursing with a focus in public health, said Appalachian alumni relatives have been telling her she’s an “App kind of kid” since she was a child.

Ramakrishnan held leadership roles in various clubs and student organizations, including Student Council, Key Club and her high school soccer team. She has been a volunteer with her local nature center for many years and is passionate about women’s health, photography and living an active lifestyle.

Ramakrishnan aspires to become a nurse practitioner and serve her community by promoting wellness and combating sexual assault and human trafficking. Appalachian, she says, “is the place that will make me into who I want to be: a transformer.” Ramakrishnan is the daughter of Beverly Bryant and Selva Ramakrishnan.

Details of the Wilson Scholarship

The Wilson Scholarship covers students’ tuition, fees, book rental, and room and board. In addition, scholars receive $2,500 annually for four years to pursue academic and service projects of their own conception.

High school seniors can apply for the Wilson Scholarship by completing the freshman Merit-Based Scholarship Application after submitting their application for admission. Final selection is based on the students’ academic achievements, as well as their service and leadership in their communities and schools.

Wilson Scholars receive a personalized educational experience in and outside the classroom designed in partnership with their faculty director. The scholars also learn to incorporate their passions into their life and career goals as they participate in specially designed seminars, engage in international experiences and design capstone projects.

Each year, Wilson Scholars focus on an area of community and self-discovery as part of their education at Appalachian. Internships, research and study abroad are also part of the Wilson Scholars experience.

With the fall 2018 incoming class, 26 students have received the Wilson Scholarship, including graduates from the inaugural year of the program.

Former and current Wilson Scholars:

• Alumnae Sarah Aldridge ’18, from Concord; Emma Labovitz ’18, from Salisbury; and Lily Shaw ’18, from Saluda.
• Seniors Juliet Irving, from Batesburg, South Carolina; Sam Hines, from Sanford; Sope Kahn, from Chapel Hill; Madeline Hamiter, from Statesville; and Alia Dahlan, from Swannanoa.
• Juniors Vicky Anderson, from Rutherfordton; Grace Bowling, from Boone; Fahiima Mohamed, from Raleigh; Javon Nathaniel, from Charlotte; Jake Powell, from Cary; and Anisha Sharma, from Summerfield.
• Sophomores Evan Malinchock, from Chapel Hill; Everett “Jabari” Moore, from Mint Hill; Jama Brookes, from Connelly Springs; Joy Siler, from Asheville; Sydney Shadrick, from Lake Zurich, Illinois; and Sydney Stoter, from Califon, New Jersey.

‘Four years of transformative change’

Graduating Wilson Scholars reflect on their experiences in Appalachian’s premier scholarship program

May 15, 2018

Lily Shaw, Emma Labovitz, Sarah Aldridge and Juliet Irving said the scholarship allowed them to explore new possibilities and see how diverse academic interests could intersect with leadership and service.

Read the story

About the Wilson Scholars Program

The Wilson Scholars Program, Appalachian State University's premier scholarship program, embodies the true Appalachian spirit: a rich blend of academic excellence, leadership and service. This scholarship program attracts passionate individuals, instills in them a commitment to change the world, and provides the resources for them to think creatively, strategically and collaboratively. Established in 2013 with a generous gift by 1975 Appalachian alumni Carole and Brad Wilson, the program welcomed its inaugural class in the fall of 2014. Students represent a variety of majors and disciplines — from business and science, to the arts and humanities. Learn more at https://wilsonscholars.appstate.edu.

About Appalachian State University

As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, affordable education for all. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.

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