Tandem Senior Named Emily Couric Scholarship Finalist

We’re proud to share that Tandem Friends senior Mary Raffinan was named Tandem's finalist for The Emily Couric Leadership Scholarship Award given annually by The Emily Couric Leadership Forum. The eleven local leadership award finalists (one from each local high school) will be honored in person on April 10 at the annual awards luncheon. All finalists will receive an $18,000 scholarship, and two larger scholarships are awarded as well, the Leadership Award, and a Merit Award.

Mary came to Tandem in 6th grade. She is involved in every mentoring program, has been a key organizer of Tandem’s diversity clubs and councils and represented Tandem at a national student diversity leadership conference. She has served for multiple years as a student senate leader, and was captain on the varsity volleyball team this year. Mary was recognized for her contributions to school life with the Head of School Award last year, and was named a National Merit Commended Scholar. Her work in Science Olympiad has earned her multiple medals in state competition. This year, she took on leadership of Geeky Girls, which offers free weekend science workshops for local girls to encourage their participation in the sciences. She plans to study engineering, using her skills to create with innovation and improve the global community, just as she has done here at Tandem. Congratulations, Mary!

Watch this video of Mary shared by The Emily Couric Leadership Forum. 

The Emily Couric Leadership Forum "established the Emily Couric Leadership Scholarship to be awarded annually to a senior girl attending any high school in Charlottesville or Albemarle. The goal is to acknowledge and encourage young women in leadership roles in government and the community. Each school is asked to nominate a senior girl who demonstrates leadership in her school and the community. A selection committee comprised of community leaders interviews the nominees and makes the final selection." The Emily Couric Leadership Forum itself honors the memory of State Senator Emily Couric, who modeled a strong commitment to learning and service. Her many contributions to the community encouraged all women to "adopt an active role in government, public issues, and policy debates affecting their communities, and to inspire young women to pursue activities which will enable them to become effective leaders." The group has awarded over $1.85M to young women since the scholarships began in 2001, and will award $250,000 this year.