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10 students commit to advancing diversity at App State as 2021–22 Diversity Scholarship recipients

“These students foster a more inclusive, equitable and diverse environment at App State and in the community, building on the work of generations of Mountaineers. I look forward to seeing them grow as leaders through their service in the years to come.”

App State Chancellor Sheri Everts

Diversity Scholars Program Scholarships “send the message to students that we value the hard work they’ve demonstrated, see the obstacles they’ve overcome and support their dreams for success.”

Jamie Parson, App State’s interim chief diversity officer

By Jessica Stump
Posted Nov. 8, 2021 at 8:50 a.m.

BOONE, N.C. — Ten first-year students at Appalachian State University have been awarded scholarships through App State’s Diversity Scholars Program for the 2021–22 academic year.

“These students foster a more inclusive, equitable and diverse environment at App State and in the community, building on the work of generations of Mountaineers. I look forward to seeing them grow as leaders through their service in the years to come.”

App State Chancellor Sheri Everts

The merit-based scholarship covers full in-state tuition and fees for up to four years and includes leadership workshops, service-learning, international experiences and mentorship opportunities.

App State Chancellor Sheri Everts noted the Diversity Scholars, who are recognized for their academic excellence, are also challenged to promote and embrace diversity — both on and off campus.

Diversity Scholars Program Scholarships “send the message to students that we value the hard work they’ve demonstrated, see the obstacles they’ve overcome and support their dreams for success.”

Jamie Parson, App State’s interim chief diversity officer

“These students foster a more inclusive, equitable and diverse environment at App State and in the community, building on the work of generations of Mountaineers,” she said. “I look forward to seeing them grow as leaders through their service in the years to come.”

Jamie Parson, interim chief diversity officer at App State, said these types of scholarships are critical to recruiting and retaining diverse talent. “They send the message to students that we value the hard work they’ve demonstrated, see the obstacles they’ve overcome and support their dreams for success.”

Parson also expressed appreciation for the chancellor’s consistent support of this program and other diversity and inclusion initiatives at App State. The chancellor has secured funding for the scholarship since 2016.

The 2021–22 Diversity Scholarship recipients:

  • Mya Cobb, of Lutz, Florida.
  • Cassidy Cosgrove, of Brunswick, Maryland.
  • Drew Ellis, of Fayetteville.
  • Maya Flucus, of Matthews.
  • Jade Harlow, of Bloomington-Normal, Illinois.
  • Sophia Mendieta, of Charlotte.
  • Anna MunAmee Palmer, of Charlotte.
  • Caleb Otero, of Florence, South Carolina.
  • Tara Rogers, of Clarkton.
  • Luciano Robert Zito, of Charlotte.

Diversity scholars engage in 15 hours of community service each academic year and complete a semesterlong international experience. All first-year students are eligible for the scholarship, which is renewable for students maintaining at least a 3.0 GPA.

About the 2021–22 Diversity Scholars

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Mya Cobb, of Lutz, Florida, is a 2021–22 recipient of Appalachian State University’s Diversity Scholars Program Scholarship. Photo by Chase Reynolds

Mya Cobb

Cobb, of Lutz, Florida, is a graphic design major with a minor in digital marketing. “I wanted to go to a school that would help make me feel welcome,” she said of her decision to attend App State.

Cobb said the scholarship will help her achieve her overall goal in life — to both help and educate people. “To be able to learn more about helping people and actively doing it is a wish come true,” she said.

A graduate of George M. Steinbrenner High School, Cobb was a member of the school’s varsity soccer, bowling and track and field teams, as well as its DECA chapter — a nonprofit that prepares high school and college students for leadership in the fields of marketing, finance, hospitality and management. She also volunteered with Feeding Tampa Bay, which provides food to families in need in West Central Florida.

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Cassidy Cosgrove, of Brunswick, Maryland, is a 2021–22 recipient of Appalachian State University’s Diversity Scholars Program Scholarship. Photo by Chase Reynolds

Cassidy Cosgrove

Cosgrove, of Brunswick, Maryland, is a graduate of Brunswick High School and is majoring in career and technical education with a concentration in family and consumer sciences education.

She chose App State for its “amazing education program,” she said, and is taking part in the Reich College of Education’s Appalachian Community of Education Scholars (ACES) program, which provides students with mentoring, leadership, service and professional development opportunities.

Cosgrove said she’d like to duplicate the program when she teaches high school one day. She also plans to use her Diversity Scholarship to study abroad.

At Brunswick High, Cosgrove participated in varsity cheerleading and student government and was a member of the Random Acts of Kindness Club.

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Drew Ellis, of Fayetteville, is a 2021–22 recipient of Appalachian State University’s Diversity Scholars Program Scholarship. Photo by Chase Reynolds

Drew Ellis

Ellis, of Fayetteville, is majoring in biology with a concentration in ecology, evolution and environmental biology and minoring in Spanish. He said App State’s “commitment to sustainability and recognizing diversity” influenced his choice to become a Mountaineer.

He hopes to acquire new life experiences while working with other diverse App State students, he said, adding that his time at App State will prepare him to work alongside Latin American botanists in his future career.

A graduate of South View High School in Hope Mills, Ellis was a member of the school’s cross-country and track and field teams and the Foreign Language Club. A member of the National Honor Society, he participated in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program, a curriculum for high school juniors and seniors that emphasizes intercultural understanding and enrichment.

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Maya Flucus, of Matthews, is a 2021–22 recipient of Appalachian State University’s Diversity Scholars Program Scholarship. Photo submitted

Maya Flucus

Flucus, of Matthews, first visited Boone as a high school student, when she participated in a color guard competition. “It was one of the most beautiful places I’d ever been, and I knew I wanted to live here someday,” she shared.

Flucus, who is majoring in biology-cellular/molecular biology, said being awarded the Diversity Scholarship made “all the difference” in her ability to attend App State. “I’m able to live this college dream with the university of my choice,” she said.

“I also believe the scholarship shows just how much App State cares about its diverse students and its commitment to being inclusive,” she added.

In addition to participating in the color guard at Sun Valley High School in Monroe, Flucus was also a member of the symphonic band, student council, Beta Club and National Honor Society.

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Jade Harlow, of Bloomington-Normal, Illinois, is a 2021–22 recipient of Appalachian State University’s Diversity Scholars Program Scholarship. Photo by Chase Reynolds

Jade Harlow

Harlow, of Bloomington-Normal, Illinois, is a graduate of Normal Community West High School. She said she chose App State because it is one of only a few schools in North Carolina that offer her major — actuarial science.

“App State felt like home when I came to visit,” Harlow said. “I also came for the extracurriculars — music, community service, outdoor activities and hopefully study abroad.”

Harlow said her Diversity Scholarship will allow her to graduate without debt, strengthen her communication and leadership skills, pursue study abroad opportunities and internships and learn more about various aspects of diversity.

Harlow was a member of her high school’s varsity tennis team and French Club and played violin in the school’s orchestra. She was a member of several national honor societies and helped secure a $1,000 grant for her school’s Promise Council chapter — a service-oriented club focused on connecting students with needed community resources.

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Sophia Mendieta, of Charlotte, is a 2021–22 recipient of Appalachian State University’s Diversity Scholars Program Scholarship. Photo submitted

Sophia Mendieta

Mendieta, of Charlotte, said she chose to attend App State because she “fell in love with the culture of the university — the focus on sustainability, the welcoming community and the breathtaking mountain views.” She is majoring in nutrition and foods with a concentration in dietetics.

The scholarship program’s service-learning opportunities will allow Mendieta to put what she is learning in the classroom into practice, she said, as well as facilitate on-campus events that celebrate diversity. She hopes to study abroad to learn about another culture and engage with people of backgrounds different than her own, she said.

Mendieta graduated from the Covenant Day School in Matthews, where, as president of its UNITE diversity committee, she represented the school’s marginalized and culturally diverse student populations at student council meetings and planned diversity events. Additionally, she developed a nutrition curriculum called THRIVE designed for students in second to fifth grades and was a cheerleader.

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Anna MunAmee Palmer, of Charlotte, is a 2021–22 recipient of Appalachian State University’s Diversity Scholars Program Scholarship. Photo by Chase Reynolds

Anna MunAmee Palmer

Palmer, of Charlotte, said she chose App State because of the attentive nature she received from university staff throughout the application process — along with App State’s welcoming and inclusive student atmosphere and its focus on campus sustainability.

A graduate of the Northwest School of the Arts, Palmer is majoring in psychology at App State.

“I will always strive to create and support an inclusive community, and this scholarship will equip me with the skills I need to accomplish this goal,” she said.

As a high school student, Palmer was president of her school’s Special Olympics Club and vice president of student government. She was a member of Student Leadership, the National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta.

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Caleb Otero, of Florence, South Carolina, is a 2021–22 recipient of Appalachian State University’s Diversity Scholars Program Scholarship. Photo submitted

Caleb Otero

Otero, of Florence, South Carolina, is majoring in nutrition and foods-foodsystems management and said he chose App State because of the health sciences programs offered.

“The Diversity Scholarship will allow me to get hands-on experience serving others through our volunteer hours,” he said. “It will also encourage me to remain open-minded and respectful of the experiences and perspectives of people who are different from me.”

Otero attended the Phillip O Berry Academy of Technology in Charlotte, where he was a member of the National Honor Society and the Army JROTC program, ending his senior year as the battalion commander.

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Tara Rogers, of Clarkton, is a 2021–22 recipient of Appalachian State University’s Diversity Scholars Program Scholarship. Photo submitted

Tara Rogers

Rogers, of Clarkton, is majoring in gender, women’s and sexuality studies and minoring in American Sign Language. She chose App State because “it is clear that one of the university’s main missions is to promote diversity on and off campus,” she said.

She said her scholarship will provide “financial freedom” and allow her to graduate debt-free. She expects to build connections with her Diversity Scholars peers, as well as network with program alumni who are established in their careers, she said.

At West Bladen High School in Bladenboro, Rogers served as class president during her junior and senior years. She was president of the school’s Beta Club and Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter, editor-in-chief of the yearbook and captain of the varsity cheerleading squad.

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View larger image

Luciano Robert Zito, of Charlotte, is a 2021–22 recipient of Appalachian State University’s Diversity Scholars Program Scholarship. Photo submitted

Luciano Robert Zito

Zito, of Charlotte, is double majoring in finance and banking and international business with a minor in Spanish. “App State has an environment unmatched by any other university in the world, making it such a unique place,” he said. “I also loved the idea that alumni are extremely tight-knit, and the school as a whole is very community-based.”

As a student at Myers Park High School, Zito was a member of the National Society of High School Scholars. He also played basketball as part of a PBS (Pro Skills Basketball) Select Amateur Athletic Union team.

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App State’s premier signature scholarships — a lifetime of value
App State’s premier signature scholarships — a lifetime of value
Oct. 9, 2020

Three of App State’s signature scholarships — the Chancellor’s Scholarship, the Dr. Willie C. Fleming Scholarship and the Diversity Scholars Program — provide full in-state tuition and fees, plus additional benefits to provide a lifetime of value.

Read the story
Diversity Scholars Program Scholarship
Diversity Scholars Program Scholarship

Diversity Scholars Program scholarships are awarded to students who have demonstrated leadership potential, academic excellence, a willingness to create positive change and a commitment to the principles of diversity. The program brings students together from different cultures and backgrounds and provides them the opportunity to assist with campus events and help facilitate conversations around race, equality and equity.

Learn more
Diversity and Inclusion at Appalachian
Diversity and Inclusion at Appalachian

Appalachian State University is committed to developing and allocating resources to the fundamental task of creating a diverse campus culture. We value diversity as the expression of human similarities and differences, as well as the importance of a living and learning environment conducive to knowledge, respect, acceptance, understanding and global awareness.

Learn more

About the Diversity Scholars Program

The Diversity Scholars Program is one of Appalachian State University’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. The scholarship is renewable, and since fall 2016 has covered full in-state tuition and fees for four years. The Diversity Scholars Program also involves community service and an international experience. Learn more at https://diversityscholars.appstate.edu.

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 the premier public undergraduate institution in the Southeast, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives as global citizens who understand and engage their responsibilities in creating a sustainable future for all. The Appalachian Experience promotes a spirit of inclusion that brings people together in inspiring ways to acquire and create knowledge, to grow holistically, to act with passion and determination, and to embrace diversity and difference. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Appalachian is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System. Appalachian enrolls nearly 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and graduate majors.

“These students foster a more inclusive, equitable and diverse environment at App State and in the community, building on the work of generations of Mountaineers. I look forward to seeing them grow as leaders through their service in the years to come.”

App State Chancellor Sheri Everts

Diversity Scholars Program Scholarships “send the message to students that we value the hard work they’ve demonstrated, see the obstacles they’ve overcome and support their dreams for success.”

Jamie Parson, App State’s interim chief diversity officer

App State’s premier signature scholarships — a lifetime of value
App State’s premier signature scholarships — a lifetime of value
Oct. 9, 2020

Three of App State’s signature scholarships — the Chancellor’s Scholarship, the Dr. Willie C. Fleming Scholarship and the Diversity Scholars Program — provide full in-state tuition and fees, plus additional benefits to provide a lifetime of value.

Read the story
Diversity Scholars Program Scholarship
Diversity Scholars Program Scholarship

Diversity Scholars Program scholarships are awarded to students who have demonstrated leadership potential, academic excellence, a willingness to create positive change and a commitment to the principles of diversity. The program brings students together from different cultures and backgrounds and provides them the opportunity to assist with campus events and help facilitate conversations around race, equality and equity.

Learn more
Diversity and Inclusion at Appalachian
Diversity and Inclusion at Appalachian

Appalachian State University is committed to developing and allocating resources to the fundamental task of creating a diverse campus culture. We value diversity as the expression of human similarities and differences, as well as the importance of a living and learning environment conducive to knowledge, respect, acceptance, understanding and global awareness.

Learn more

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Appalachian Today is an online publication of Appalachian State University. This website consolidates university news, feature stories, events, photo galleries, videos and podcasts.

The migration of materials from other sites is still incomplete, so if you cannot find what you're looking for here, please refer to the following sources:

  • Additional feature stories may be found at Appalachian Magazine
  • Podcasts may be found at Appalachian Magazine
  • Photo galleries and videos published prior to Jan. 1, 2015 may be found at Appalachian Magazine
  • A university-wide Google Calendar may be found at Events at Appalachian

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Archives

Appalachian Today is an online publication of Appalachian State University. This website consolidates university news, feature stories, events, photo galleries, videos and podcasts.

The migration of materials from other sites is still incomplete, so if you cannot find what you're looking for here, please refer to the following sources:

  • Additional feature stories may be found at Appalachian Magazine
  • Podcasts may be found at Appalachian Magazine
  • Photo galleries and videos published prior to Jan. 1, 2015 may be found at Appalachian Magazine
  • A university-wide Google Calendar may be found at Events at Appalachian
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