Seamus Oliver, a senior at Salesianum School, has been awarded one of the most highly selective merit scholarships in the nation. The Jefferson Scholars Foundation at the University of Virginia selected Seamus as one of 40 recipients of the Jefferson Scholarship. He will commence his studies in the fall at the University of Virginia.

 

In order to be named a Scholar, candidates must undergo a rigorous, highly competitive, multi-stage selection process. First, they are nominated by their high schools or affiliated organizations based on their demonstrated excellence and exceptional potential in the areas of leadership, scholarship, and citizenship. Once nominated, the students go through at least one round of regional interviews. If selected as a regional finalist, students are then invited to participate in a final round of interviews. This year, nearly 2,200 students were nominated for the Scholarship, and 139 finalists were invited to take part in remote interviews conducted by the University of Virginia alumni and faculty. The 40 selected recipients of the 2022 Jefferson Scholarship boast a number of significant achievements and Seamus is no exception.

Seamus's activities include lead commentator for the Salesianum WSAL production team, Boys Nation Participant, pianist for the Music Ministry, and Mock Trial Member. His accomplishments include Coca-Cola Scholarship Semifinalist, a finalist for the Coolidge Foundation Scholarship, Eagle Scout, Delaware Boys State, and being selected as one of only two Delaware high school seniors of the 104 chosen nationally for the United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) and will participate in the USSYP Washington Week & will receive a $10,000 scholarship.

In addition to receiving the full cost of attending the University for four years, Jefferson Scholars benefit from a number of enrichment programs sponsored by the Foundation, including travel abroad, career networking activities, an outdoor challenge program, and a leadership speaker series.