Through the generous support of donors to a specific fund, each summer, MEF offers financial assistance to SMMHS students, ensuring they have the opportunity to participate in various academic enrichment programs. These experiences are instrumental in developing skills, broadening perspectives, and inspiring future leaders.
Many Signal students receive invitations or acceptances into prestigious programs, competitions, or experiences that often come with significant travel and participation fees. Through an application process, MEF offers funds to cover costs associated with these opportunities such as the Governor’s School programs, the National Young Leaders Conference, Girls/Boys State, STEM-related competitions, and more. MEF donors make these life-changing experiences accessible to students through a designated fund. General donations to MEF are not used for this purpose.
This summer, several students benefited from MEF’s funding.
Wake Forest Pre-college Summer Immersion Program
Molly Hampton explored her passion for law at the Wake Forest Pre-college Summer Immersion Program Law Institute.
During the program, Molly had the opportunity to visit Morgan-Allen, a firm in Charlotte, North Carolina, and the Forsyth County Courthouse. “These field trips were designed to teach us about Corporate Law and Criminal Law,” she explained. Throughout the week, students attended lectures from esteemed attorneys and Wake Forest professors on various fields of law. “We stayed in dorms on campus and ate in the dining hall each day to give us a preview of college life,” Molly added.
One of these lectures on capital defense, which explored defending individuals facing the death penalty, ignited a new passion in Molly and will profoundly shape her professional path. “This was a very interesting field of law and I hope to pursue it as a career. Many of the fields we learned about I had never heard of (like capital defense) so I was able to expand my knowledge,” she said. The program also provided networking opportunities with attorneys and professors, which Molly noted would be invaluable for her future.
Molly expressed her appreciation for MEF supporters, saying, “This was an amazing opportunity made possible in part by your generosity.”
Molly’s mother, Jessica Hampton, also thanked MEF for investing in her daughter’s education, “This is such a wonderful opportunity for her to learn and grow in the field she is interested in pursuing. Thanks so much for providing these amazing summer academic opportunities.”
Governor’s School for the Arts
Ellie Bielcik had a transformative experience at the Governor’s School for the Arts. Reflecting on her time, Ellie shared, “Yes, I did attend Governor’s School for the Arts and have to say that it was one of the most amazing experiences of my life.”
Ellie expressed deep gratitude to MEF donors, saying, “I can’t thank MEF enough, nor adequately express how grateful I am that you were able to help me attend GSFTA. There was so much that happened and so many opportunities that it’s hard to summarize!”
Throughout the program, Ellie had the chance to perform in various ensembles. “I was able to perform weekly in an orchestra, wind ensemble, and a chamber group on bassoon with amazing directors!” she said. One highlight was playing the contrabassoon for a week in the orchestra and being selected for the Beethoven finale as the 2nd bassoonist.
“Everything we played within these groups was challenging but so fun, and helped me grow in my bassoon skills tremendously,” Ellie noted. Leaving the program was bittersweet for her. “It was really hard leaving GSFTA with all the friends I made, and especially leaving the other two amazing bassoonists that I was so honored to play with.”
Ellie concluded, “I feel like from this experience, I have grown so much as a musician and a person. Thank you so much again for helping fund this incredible learning experience.”
Boys State
Simon Lewis attended Boys State, and he shared his experience with us. “Thank you so much again for funding my trip to Boys State! I am very glad I decided on attending Boys State because it was a totally new experience for me, even though this isn’t the first sleep-away conference I’ve been to.”
Simon described how he arrived without knowing anyone else attending, which encouraged him to connect with a whole new group of peers. “We formed cities and marched everywhere. We had the option to run for public office (which I did) and that showed how our state government functions and why certain candidates are elected.”
He continued, “There were many guest speakers including a congressman and chief of staff to the governor. The speakers as well as the councillors taught us important leadership skills, life lessons, and how to be a contributing member of society.”
One of the most impactful parts for Simon was the friendships he made. “Most importantly, I made new friends who exposed me to different communities from all parts of the state. This experience was especially unique compared to the others I have done such as Yig and Mun.”
TSA Nationals
Grace Garney, Elizabeth (Bess) Innes, and Isla Richard had an amazing journey competing in the Geospatial Technology event at TSA Nationals and returned home enriched from leadership seminars. Bess and Isla also competed in the Data Science and Analytics event, proudly taking 6th place at Nationals! Their unforgettable trip was made possible with MEF’s support for hotel, TSA registration, and chaperone costs.
Because of our amazing donors, MEF is honored to support these exceptional students and many others. Their achievements demonstrate the transformative power of academic enrichment programs. Thank you for helping them seize these invaluable opportunities.
