BOONE, N.C. — Ten first-year students at Appalachian State University have been awarded Diversity Scholarships for the 2019–20 academic year. This four-year leadership development opportunity covers full in-state tuition and fees (tuition, fees, book rental) and includes specially designed leadership workshops, service-learning, international experiences and mentorship opportunities. The students were chosen from more than 2,900 applicants.

The Diversity Scholars Program is one of Appalachian’s top scholarship programs. Since 2008, it has recognized merit in scholarship and brought people together from different cultures and backgrounds to work on building unity through diversity while focusing on scholarship, community and service. Through funding secured by Chancellor Sheri Everts, the scholarship has covered full in-state tuition and fees for four years since fall 2016.

“Appalachian is committed to being a community that embraces diversity of thought, belief and community,” Everts said. “Members of the scholarship committee shared these students are deeply engaged in their communities and look forward to being active participants in Appalachian’s academic community. I thank the members of the scholarship committee for their work in selecting our newest class of Diversity Scholars.”

The Diversity Scholarship is awarded to students who have demonstrated leadership potential, academic achievement, a willingness to create positive change and a commitment to the principles of diversity. All first-year students are eligible for the scholarship, which is renewable for students maintaining at least a 3.0 GPA.

Each Diversity Scholar is to provide 15 hours of community service to the university and greater community, and engage in a semesterlong international experience prior to the start of their senior year.

The 2019–20 Diversity Scholarship recipients:

Maegan Nicole Adolph

Jefferson, North Carolina

Adolph graduated from Ashe County High School, where she was involved in the Dick Miller Youth Leadership Program, Spanish Honor Society and Upward Bound. She plans to major in nursing.

Tyler Renee Bland

Wake Forest, North Carolina

Bland graduated from Wake Forest–Rolesville High School and plans to major in special education. She was a leader in her school’s Unified Champions club, where she worked to create an inclusive school environment that supports students with and without intellectual disabilities. Bland also coached the Unified Track team to provide students of all abilities the opportunity to participate in school sports.

Laoura Boiro

Charlotte, North Carolina

Boiro graduated from Independence High School. Her accomplishments include induction into the National Honor Society and recognition as a Charlotte Post Top Senior. She plans to major in biology with a concentration in cellular/molecular biology.

Ella Sophia Brose

Cary, North Carolina

Brose graduated from Green Hope High School, where she served on the Executive Student Council. She also established a nonprofit and developed its fundraising base and reputation in her community.

Jesus Eduardo Diaz Moroyoqui

Asheboro, North Carolina

Diaz Moroyoqui graduated from Caldwell Academy, where he was part of the K-Pals club — a yearlong program in which Caldwell seniors befriend and mentor Caldwell kindergarteners. He was a coach at Wesleyan Christian Academy and part of the Wesleyan Instructional Soccer League (WISL). Diaz Moroyoqui plans to major in exercise science.

Sarah Autumn Edmondson

Camden, North Carolina

Edmondson graduated from Camden County High School, where she was a School Board Spotlight Award recipient, North Carolina Governor’s School attendee and a marching band section leader. She plans to major in anthropology with a concentration in sociocultural anthropology.

Daeja Noel Gardner

Greenville, North Carolina

A graduate of D.H. Conley High School, Gardner was a National Honor Society officer and received the D.H. Conley Academic Award for Visual Art in both 2017 and 2019. She was also a teen ambassador for the Ronald McDonald House.

Daniel Xiao McLeod

Raleigh, North Carolina

McLeod graduated from Wake Christian Academy, where he was a drum major, narrator for his school’s production of “Beauty and the Beast” and accumulated more than 100 hours of volunteer community service in the Colonial Baptist Church Orchestra. He has attended Appalachian’s Cannon Music Camp since his freshman year of high school. He plans to major in accounting.

Jamie Guerrero-Morales

Andrews, North Carolina

Guerrero-Morales graduated from Andrews High School, where she was active in the Beta Club, National Honor Society, varsity soccer, art club, philosophy club, chess club, student council, theater and concert/jazz/marching band. Her senior year awards included the Directors Award for participation in marching band and two superior medals for music. She plans to major in history.

Nicholas Andrew Paredes

Miami, Florida

Paredes participated in Vessels of G.O.L.D., a performing arts group for the community, and wrote an eight-part choral piece that the group performed. Paredes plans to major in music therapy.

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Appalachian awards 10 students Diversity Scholarships for 2017-18

June 26, 2017

The Diversity Scholarship is given to students who have demonstrated leadership potential, academic achievement, a willingness to create positive change and a commitment to the principles of diversity. The scholarship covers full in-state tuition and fees for eight semesters, plus special service, leadership and travel opportunities. All first-year students are eligible for the scholarship.

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Mission, Vision and Values

Appalachian State University

Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives as engaged global citizens who understand their responsibilities in creating a sustainable future for all.

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About Scholarships at App State

Appalachian State University offers students the opportunity to receive a world-class education at an affordable rate, with an average of $25 million awarded to incoming, current and transfer students each year based on need, as well as academic and athletic achievement. On average, about $4.9 million in outside aid is awarded to App State students annually. App State’s Office of Student Financial Aid and University Scholarships assists students in learning about and applying for these university scholarship opportunities and also shares information about non-App State scholarships. Learn more at https://scholarships.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, cost-effective education. 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.