Manheim Resident Will Attend Brown University

Lancaster Mennonite High School (LMHS) senior Eden Addisu had been receiving emails from Questbridge, a nonprofit scholarship program for exceptional students from low-income backgrounds, for quite some time; however, she had not seriously considered applying to the organization. But during the COVID-19 quarantine, Addisu had more time than she might have had school been meeting on campus. "I thought, 'Why not?'" said Addisu.

The application process for the Questbridge College Match program has been called rigorous. Addisu noted that the application includes four essays rather than just one and that the deadline in September of 2020 of each year is earlier than most programs require. She completed her application for submission in early September 2020, and she learned on Oct. 20 that she was a finalist. More paperwork was required by Nov. 1, and on Dec. 1, she received the news that she was a scholarship recipient and had been matched with Brown University, her first choice for college. Addisu was elated.

The Questbridge scholarship covers tuition, room and board, meals, books, and school supplies. Addisu will take part in a work study program during the school year, and she will be responsible for a summer contribution as part of the program.

Addisu's parents came from Ethiopia to the U.S. two years before she was born. Addisu attended Kraybill Mennonite School in Mount Joy, and then came to LMHS as a freshman. She has been active in the International Students Association. Academically, Addisu has taken a number of Advanced Placement classes in subjects such as biology, chemistry, government and politics, world history, and U.S. history. These accomplishments strengthened her application.

Outside school, Addisu enjoys working with children, and she teaches Sunday school at two area churches - the Ethiopian Evangelical church in Landisville and Worship Center in Leola. She has hopes of eventually becoming a pediatrician.

Addisu chose Brown University because of the school's offerings in her chosen area of study. "(Brown is) great for pre-med," she said, noting that the school also provides an open curriculum, which she favors. "There are no general education requirements," she said. "That will give me time to explore other things I am interested in."

Hoping to attend the Providence, R.I., school in person, Addisu has already connected with the Questbridge scholarship network, a group of students who applied for Questbridge scholarships and have become acquainted via social media.

Readers who would like to know more about LMHS may visit http://www.lancastermennonite.org.