Empowering Rural Excellence: Gavin Smith and Meredith Gloy Were Accepted into the University of Chicago's "Emerging Rural Leaders II" Summer Program

Gavin Smith (left) and Meredith Gloy are participating in summer classes offered by the University of Chicago

Perkins County High School Seniors’ Journey as Emerging Rural Leaders

Perkins County High School Seniors Were Accepted into the University of Chicago’s Summer Program

Perkins County High School seniors Gavin Smith and Meredith Gloy had their horizons expanded in the summer of 2022 through their acceptance into the “Emerging Rural Leaders II” program, offered by the University of Chicago. This highly regarded program specifically targets high-achieving students from rural and small-town backgrounds, providing them with a unique opportunity to broaden their perspectives and acquire valuable skills.

Gavin and Meredith underwent a rigorous selection process, which began in January. Their applications included several essays that showcased their exceptional qualities and commitment to personal and academic growth. Their hard work and dedication paid off, as they were chosen to participate in this life-changing program.

The program spanned four weeks, commencing on Monday, June 13. It primarily took place through daily three-hour online Zoom meetings, where Gavin, Meredith, and their fellow students engaged in intellectually stimulating discussions facilitated by the program’s staff. These virtual meetings were supplemented by additional independent work, allowing the students to delve deeper into the topics covered. The program’s climax occurred during a week-long stay at the prestigious University of Chicago from July 3-8. This in-person experience provided students with the opportunity to meet their classmates face-to-face, participate in workshops, and engage in activities offered by the university.

Thanks to the generous support of Trott Family Philanthropies, Gavin and Meredith enjoyed the program without any financial burden. All expenses, including plane tickets, were covered, enabling these deserving students to fully immerse themselves in the transformative experience.

The program boasted a diverse cohort, bringing together students from different corners of the world. Gavin and Meredith’s classes included students from various U.S. states, as well as countries like China, Japan, Brazil, Mexico, and Tanzania. Although linguistic differences existed, English served as the lingua franca, facilitating communication and fostering cross-cultural collaboration. Despite the challenges of coordinating across different time zones, the students embraced the global perspective, enriching their learning experience and expanding their international networks.

The curriculum of the program comprised six classes that explored timely topics in science, technology, engineering, and the social sciences. Meredith’s passion for science led her to choose the class titled “Science, Technology and the Body.” Engaging discussions centered around the perception of robots with human-like features versus machines devoid of human qualities. This exploration of human-technology interactions sparked intriguing insights and challenged traditional perspectives.

Meanwhile, Gavin’s interest in government and politics drew him to the class “Freedom of Expression and Politics of Social Media.” He delved into the impact of social media on society and undertook assignments that involved proposing solutions to issues associated with online platforms. As part of one such assignment, Gavin had the opportunity to present his proposed solution at a mock senate hearing, showcasing his critical thinking and persuasive abilities.

Towards the end of the program, Gavin and Meredith completed a final 3-5 page paper, applying the writing strategies they acquired throughout the course. This served as a culmination of their learning journey, demonstrating their understanding and application of the program’s teachings.

Gavin and Meredith are immensely grateful for the opportunity afforded to them and were eagerly looking forward to their trip to Chicago. They cherished the experiences and insights gained during the program, and they were determined to share their newfound knowledge and inspire other students to seize similar opportunities in the future. Their participation in the “Emerging Rural Leaders II” program exemplifies the limitless potential that rural and small-town students possess when given the chance to explore and grow.

UChicago Summer Undergraduate Programs

As Perkins County High School celebrated Gavin and Meredith’s achievements, the community recognized the importance of nurturing talent and providing platforms for rural students to thrive. Gavin and Meredith’s journey serves as an inspiration to their peers and reinforces the belief that geographic location should never limit one’s potential for success. With their newfound knowledge, skills, and experiences, Gavin and Meredith returned to their community as ambassadors of possibility, ready to contribute positively and advocate for the power of education and opportunity.

In the summer of 2022, Perkins County High School witnessed the transformative impact of the “Emerging Rural Leaders II” program on Gavin Smith and Meredith Gloy. Their acceptance into this prestigious program opened doors to new perspectives, expanded horizons, and a brighter future. The story of Gavin and Meredith exemplifies the immense value of investing in rural students and empowering them to reach their full potential. Perkins County High School takes pride in its achievements and remains committed to fostering a culture of growth, ambition, and equal opportunities for all its students.

Sources: