A Dedicated Leader and Scholar

Congratulations to Zamiyah Burton ’23, the recipient of a Jackie Robinson Foundation (JRF) Scholarship. This prestigious award is given to high school graduates who will attend a four-year college and who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and dedication to community service. This fall, Zamiyah will attend the University of Connecticut and pursue a dual degree in political science and music. 

As a JRF Scholar, she will receive $8,500 per year toward tuition, plus comprehensive support services, including professional and peer mentoring, employment and networking opportunities, and leadership and practical life skills training. In addition, Zamiyah will embark on all-expense paid travel to participate in JRF's New Scholar Orientation program; JRF's Mentoring and Leadership Conference each March in New York City; and an international service trip between her freshman and sophomore years. 

‘Overwhelmed with joy’
“When I found out I was a recipient of the scholarship, I was overwhelmed with joy,” said Zamiyah. “I was at orientation at UConn when I received an email that there was an update to my application. I was nervous about opening it. As soon as I logged in to my portal, I was greeted with ‘Welcome to JRF, Zamiyah’ and a personalized message from a board member. I stepped out of the room and immediately called my mom to tell her the good news.”

Opportunities
Zamiyah is excited about the opportunities that the JRF scholarship offers.  

“It assists with tuition and provides me with amazing opportunities to enhance my learning and explore my capabilities within my community,” she noted. “As a JRF scholar, I am part of the Jackie Robinson Foundation for life. It is a privilege and honor to be a part of this organization.”

College Prep
Like all Upper School Spartans, Zamiyah benefited from Steward’s comprehensive College Counseling program. Beginning in their freshman year, Upper Schoolers meet with members of the College Counseling team in preparation for the college admissions process. Director Heather Jeter, along with the rest of the team (Khadijah Luqman, associate director; Melissa Calkins, associate director; and Braeden Glancy ’15, administrative assistant), assist students each step of the way. Selecting a “best fit” college is a vital part of Steward's goal to equip students with the skills they’ll need to help shape the future. It is also essential to the School’s mission to prepare students for college and for life.

“The College Counseling team helped me fill out applications and made sure that my essays looked perfect!” said Zamiyah. “The team is truly amazing.” Zamiyah chose UConn because of its community atmosphere. “It has so much to offer, from great academics to fun opportunities to bond with my peers and professors,” she said. “As soon as I stepped on campus, I could see myself there.” 

A Spartan through and through, Zamiyah sang in the Steward choir, was a member of the National Honor Society, and co-led an affinity group at the inaugural Beloved Community RVA Conference. An Honor Roll student, she received numerous awards, most recently the Michelle Anderson-Haigler Performing Arts Award, the Mission Award, the Michelle Anderson-Haigler Music Scholarship, and the Upper School Choral Director’s Award.