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Jenkins Awarded DAIS and AXA Scholarships

4/2/2019

Director of College Counseling Casey Zimmer found himself in a unique and special place at a recent Upper School morning meeting. As a Delaware Association of Independent Schools (DAIS) official, Zimmer presented Taryn Jenkins '19 with a check for $1000.00 to use towards her expenses when she matriculates to Hampton University in the fall.

DAIS annually selects one female and one male recipient for this scholarship. Candidates from any of the DAIS high schools are encouraged to participate. The award winners are selected on the basis of their grade point averages, commitment to serving their school or community during their high school career, and an essay that articulates their personal impact on the community as a result of their service.

Jenkins created a project entitled “Jumping the Hurdles-Foster Care to College,” which focused on elevating awareness of the fact that fewer than 10% of youth in foster care transition to college. Jenkins also worked on developing resource tools and collecting and distributing college kits to those foster care children who do plan to attend college. Jenkins explained: “I was struck by the staggering low percentage of students in foster care who attend college. It made be reflect on my accomplishments, which I know would not have been possible without the support of my parents, family, friends, teachers, as they have all guided me to be the best I can be. This reflection empowered my interest in giving and led me to this project.”

Additionally, Jenkins just learned that the AXA Achievement Scholarship Program has designated her as the recipient of one of their scholarships. The organization’s website states that winners of this award are known as AXA Achievers, and that they earn this honor based on their ambition, determination, ability to set and achieve goals, respect for self and others, and potential to succeed in college. Sanford School will also receive a $1000 grant from AXA Achievement to be used for professional development. Jenkins is no stranger to winning awards. In November she earned a scholarship from the Wilmington (DE) Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Jenkins did not undertake community service projects to earn honors and scholarships. We, however, congratulate her for her remarkable dedication to service and for the recognition that her hard work has earned her.

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