Selected from approximately 300 applicants among a consortium of nearly 100 private colleges across the country, Wesleyan students Savannah Pollock and Kierra Prather have been honored as winner and runner up, respectively, for 2021 Rize Scholarships. Both awards fall into the category of Women in STEM: Diverse perspectives improve scientific rigor. Other award categories included 1st Generation Students, Student Life, and Growing Fields. Winners of each category received $2,500 and runners-up received $500 each.
Wesleyan President Vivia L. Fowler said, "Congratulations to Savannah and Kierra for their successful applications for the Rize STEM: Diverse Perspectives scholarships. We are grateful to the Rize Foundation and for our partnership which enables our students to take upper-level courses in majors that will enhance their career opportunities."
Hailing from Folkston, Georgia, Savannah is a junior double majoring in biology and religious studies. Her on-campus activities include serving as president of both Wesleyan’s Pre-Medical Society and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She is SGA senator of faith and unity, historian of Tri-Beta honor society, and a retired softball athlete. With a goal of working toward a medical degree after graduation, Savannah said, “Wesleyan encourages all women to find a voice that empowers their own generation and the next. My professors have taught me to use my voice and I use it to continue the legacy of empowerment. Applying for Rize simply showcased that."
Kierra is a senior from Decatur, Georgia, double majoring in environmental studies and sustainability and religion, philosophy, and social change. After graduation she plans to pursue a graduate degree in sustainable food systems and work in the field of environmental justice and sustainability. She said, "Wesleyan has paved a way for me to find my voice and to always be proud of myself as a woman, especially a black woman. No matter how society may see me, I will not be afraid to make my mark and to continue to push for change -- for myself and for other generations. Applying for Rize has empowered me and allowed me to be proud of who I am." On campus, Kierra serves as vice president of Reformed University Fellowship, an Academic Resource Center tutor for study skills, religion, and philosophy, and a religious and spiritual life intern.