CSW Senior Malik Gomes Cruz Earns Frederick Douglass Scholarship

The Cambridge School of Weston (CSW), a progressive, coeducational, day and boarding school for grades 9–12, today announced that senior Malik Gomes Cruz has been accepted to the Frederick Douglass Distinguished Scholars (FDDS) program at American University in Washington, DC.

“Established in 2009, the vision of the Frederick Douglass Distinguished Scholars program is to be the premier academic community for American University's most ambitious student and alumni leaders in pursuit of multidimensional excellence,” according to the organization’s website.

As a program scholar, Malik will receive a scholarship covering tuition, board and fees for his entire collegiate career. Malik and a handful of other applicants were chosen out of more than 700 applicants for the current admissions cycle.

“It is surreal to win this incredible award,” Malik said. “With the Frederick Douglass Distinguished Scholars Program, I will be able to continue my passion for social justice advocacy and leadership. It will provide me with the resources and connections I need to grow as a learner, student and leader. I am extremely excited to be working with the other students in the program and esteemed faculty as I progress throughout my college years. I have been given a once in a lifetime opportunity, and I plan to take advantage of it fully.”

In addition to serving as his dorm’s leader, Malik has held leadership positions for several student organizations including Diversity Committee, Gay Straight Alliance, Gender and Sexual Minorities, Queer People of Color, and SALSA (Students Advocating for Life without Substance Abuse).

He has also participated in National Association of Independent Schools’ People of Color Conference (POCC) and Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC). In his time at CSW, Malik has been closely involved in the planning and execution of numerous campus events, including Diversity Day, Social Justice Day, Culture Fest, Dance Concert, Evening of the Arts and New Student Orientation, to name a few.

Jordan Clark, Director of CSW’s Student Programs for Equity & Inclusion, has worked closely with Malik on a variety of initiatives and describes him as a “truly strong leader at CSW.”

“The core of Malik’s skill set is his ability to listen to those around him and always be willing to adapt,” Clark said. “He leads with an empathy that allows him to connect with people in a sincere way. I cannot wait to see how Malik continues to use his opportunities to grow and effect change in the world.”

The Cambridge School of Weston is located at 45 Georgian Road, Weston, Mass. 02493. For additional information, call 781-642-8600, visit www.csw.org or email gryphon@csw.org.

About The Cambridge School of Weston: A leader among America’s progressive independent schools, The Cambridge School of Weston has been at the forefront of educational innovation since 1886. At this day and boarding high school located in Weston Mass., creative, motivated students embrace challenging work and address complex questions — with curiosity and courage. Inspired by the diverse perspectives and high expectations of our justice-minded community, they find and develop what is extraordinary in themselves and in the world around them.