The Steward School community will welcome a new Debbie Robson Merit Scholarship recipient in fall 2026: Julian Young ’30. The scholarship honors Debbie Robson, associate head of school for community advancement, who died in 2014. A beloved member of the Steward community, Ms. Robson was known for her generous heart. 

This prestigious scholarship provides four years of full Upper School tuition for a rising ninth grader who is new to Steward. Recipients are chosen for their academic distinction, outstanding character, and extracurricular involvement. This is the twelfth year that Steward has awarded the scholarship. 

Julian Young ’30
Julian, currently an eighth grader at St. Michael’s Episcopal School, has a wide variety of interests, including community service, choir, theatre, drawing, dance, soccer, and guitar. In his years at St. Michael’s, he served on the dance committee and the leadership and diversity society, and he was the recipient of the Respect Award and Kindness Award. In eighth grade, Julian’s dedication to academic excellence placed him on St. Michael’s honor roll. 

“My two favorite hobbies are dancing and playing music,” he shared. “I've been dancing since I was two! I love that when I’m performing, I can express an emotion and tell a story.” Music, he added, “gives me a creative space.” Outside of school, Julian serves as a tutor and volunteers with Meals on Wheels. 

Julian was in the car with his mother when they received a call saying he had been named the Robson Scholar.

“I was super shocked … and really happy!” he shared. “I am honored to have been chosen. I’m inspired by Ms. Robson’s legacy and plan to carry it out by being a compassionate person and always offering a helping hand.”

When Julian toured Steward for the first time, he was impressed by the Bryan Innovation Lab. “I love how sustainable it is,” said Julian, who also sat in on a photography class during his tour. Looking ahead to life as a Spartan, he said, “I’m thrilled to know that Steward has almost 40 competitive sports teams. I plan to try out for the soccer team … I’ve played since I was four years old. I also look forward to participating in the Entrepreneurship Studies program. I’d like to launch my own clothing brand before I graduate!” 

On April 18, the Steward community gathered on campus for a brunch to give a special Spartan welcome to Julian and his family and to celebrate Ms. Robson’s legacy. Attendees included Ms. Robson’s son, Kip, who gave a heartfelt talk, and members of his family. Many past recipients of the Debbie Robson Merit Scholarship were also in attendance, which made the event even more meaningful. Make a gift to Steward’s Debbie Robson Merit Scholarship.

Past recipients of the Debbie Robson Merit Scholarship:

Sydney Duda ’29 (2025)

Lexi Turner ’28 (2024)

Lourdes Olivencia ’27 (2023)

Natalia Jimenez ’26 (2022)

Xavier Nelson ’25 (2021)

Ana Reveles Leon '24 (2020)

Bella Topich '23 (2019)

Lucia Fogler '22 and Alaina Jefferson '22 (2018)

Jack Morgan '21 and Nicole Odibo '21 (2017)

Matthew Cantor '20 and Sonali Sanjay '20 (2016)

Morgan King '19 and Aayush Lalwaney '19 (2015)