2 Outstanding 7th Graders Named For Full High School Scholarships

WAYNE, PA — When siblings look up to you, it makes you better. And so does music. That's what two Chesco middle schoolers say about their ambitions for high school, and life, after their national recognition as gifted scholars.

A unique national scholarship program that identifies gifted learners in middle school and provides scholarships to place them in "optimally matched" high schools has recognized two Chester County students.

Seventh graders William Ge, of Wayne, and Sophia Bhatti, of Chadds Ford, were among the 28 chosen this year, named as Caroline D. Bradley Scholars. They are part of the class of 2025 for the Institute for Educational Advancement, each receiving a four-year high school scholarship.

The two told Patch what they will be looking for in a high school, and how they hope to use their education in life.

Sophia Bhatti said as she prepares for high school, she is looking for "a community of people who succeed together instead of struggling, apart." Bhatti added, "I have found some people like that in my current middle school, and it is definitely something I want my high school to have."

"I am looking for a high school where people find inspiration and follow through, and the teachers and administrators help them get there."

While the students might possibly choose boarding schools, Bhatti said she will not.

"Even if the school is the best school in the country, the things I learn at home are priceless. While helping (my sister) Lila with kindergarten, I am learning the importance and necessity of patience. My parents are some of the best teachers in the world to me, and my siblings are some of my best friends."

William Ge said he will look for a school "with peers and mentors who will influence me positively and challenge my views."

"I want a group of friends who share my passion in learning and taking on challenges. I want to go to a school that sees me as an individual, and that gives me access to the resources I need to flourish," Ge said.

Ge said he values a school setting where he will be encouraged to "push (his) limits and take on challenges." He added, "In an environment where my teachers and peers grow alongside me, I know I will be able to achieve great things."

Bhatti said she never wants to be held back, and will look for a school that supports her ambitions.

"In my family, we are taught to have high goals and go for them, and it would be wonderful to have a school where other people think like that, too. You can't do well in anything alone. You need the physical resources of others, but you also need their support," she said.

Since moving to Pennsylvania in the fifth grade, Bhatti said she's been fortunate to have at least one teacher every year "who gave unending support."

The oldest of four children, Bhatti explained the value of having younger siblings. "The trust given to me as the oldest of four kids develops responsibility, maturity, and leadership like nothing else in my life. Every little thing you do is being watched and copied."

She said she realizes that her behavior is influencing others. "It is like being on camera all the time, but more intense. However, I don’t see it as a burden at all." She added the insight, "I can’t even imagine what being the oldest of 10 would turn a person into. Those kids must be adults in elementary."

"I hope that someday, I am able to be to other people what I am to my siblings now," Bhatti said.

Ge's love of music gives him direction. His passion for music, especially piano performance, is something he's been "nurturing for nine years."

"In the last couple of years, I have come to realize the power that music possesses. When I was little, I played for my own enjoyment; over the years, however, I started to realize I could share my music with others," said Ge.

"I would like to continue to bring joy and happiness to people through music for the rest of my life."

Eligible applicants must achieve scores at or above the 97th percentile on nationally normed standardized tests and be recommended for the award. The scholarship is one of the few U.S. high school scholarship programs that is need-blind and awarded solely on merit to highly gifted seventh graders.

"Every year, this amazing scholarship allows us to meet incredible young people who have such enormous potential," said Betsy Jones, Institute for Educational Advancement president and co-founder.

"In addition to their stellar intellectual ability, Sophia's leadership qualities and William's community outreach are shining examples of traits our Caroline D. Bradley Scholars possess," said Jones.

The program, which began in 2002 and is generously funded by The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation, is one of the few merit-based, need-blind scholarships of its kind in the United States. To date, IEA has awarded 349 scholarships to gifted learners and alumni who are already making their mark on the world.

Currently, there are 196 alumni, 112 of whom have graduated from college and are in the work force, attending graduate school, or participating in international service and fellowship programs.

"It is a privilege to get to know and work with these 28 highly gifted and motivated middle school students and watch them thrive throughout their high school experience," said Bonnie Raskin, Caroline D. Bradley Scholarship Program Director at IEA.