Jefferson Scholars Press Release

CONTACT:
James H. Wright, President
Jefferson Scholars Foundation
jeffsch@virginia.edu
434-243-9029

Area Student Among New Class of Jefferson Scholars at the University of Virginia

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA, July 13, 2010 – Andrew Michael Kouri of Westwood, Massachusetts, is one of 27 students to earn the prestigious Jefferson Scholarship for study at the University of Virginia beginning this fall.

Andrew is the son of Paul and Leeanora Kouri. An accomplished student who has excelled in all areas at Noble and Greenough School, Andrew is a National Merit Commended Scholar excelling in the AP and Advanced Topic classes offered in the school’s curriculum.

Andrew is president and formerly vice president and webmaster of the Information/Technology Club which works to create a connection between students and the school IT staff, helping students and faculty with technology questions and problems. He also enjoys shooting digital video, editing it on the computer, and designing websites. He is co-president of the Investment Entrepreneurial Club where he helps to lead the club meetings and answer questions about how trading works. As business manager and a senior staff writer of the school newspaper, The Nobleman, Andrew began publishing the paper on the web and ceased publication of paper copies.

Captain of the crew team, Andrew sets the example of leadership and recruits new rowers to ensure the continued success of the program. He also had the opportunity to row on a competitive Boston Rowing Club boat out of Harvard that competes at Club Nationals. Studying jazz and classical music, Andrew plays in the Blues Band and performs throughout the year with the school’s blues and jazz bands. He serves as a tutor to the younger students in academics, computers, tennis, and piano. In addition to summer work in the school’s Tech Department, Andrew has already started two successful web-based businesses on his own.

Jefferson Scholarships are awarded by the Jefferson Scholars Foundation solely on the basis of merit. Recipients receive stipends to cover the complete cost of attending the University for four years, including tuition, room and board, books and other University-related expenses, as well as leadership training programs and foreign travel/study. Over four years a Jefferson Scholarship provides approximately $90,000 for an in-state student and more than $180,000 to an out-of-state student.

The criteria for selection are demonstrated excellence and exceptional potential in the areas of leadership, scholarship, and citizenship. The 27 Jefferson Scholarship winners were named after a rigorous selection process that began with over 1200 nominees from across the nation as well as international candidates. The list was pared to 101 finalists who participated in the Jefferson Scholars Selection Weekend March 24-28, from which the 27 recipients emerged.

The group of 27 includes students from 13 different states and 3 foreign countries. The recipients are a diverse group of varsity athletes, team captains, student government officers, musicians, and thespians. Several have done independent science research, many are involved with debate, and all are involved with service to school and community. The average combined SAT score for the incoming class of Jefferson Scholars is 2260; this average includes 26 perfect scores of 800 on at least one portion of the exam and 9 perfect scores of 800 on SAT II subject tests. In addition, the group has already amassed a grand total of 74 5’s on AP exams, not including the tests they will take this May as seniors.

"This year the quality of the nominees was again truly exceptional, for which we offer our gratitude to the hundreds of school counselors who nominate these outstanding young people," said James H. Wright, president of the Jefferson Scholars Foundation. "Those selected are all devoted to the pursuit of excellence as reflected in their rich diversity of interests and backgrounds, and have the potential to benefit the University in a most substantial way."

"Likewise we offer thanks to the nearly 700 alumni volunteers across the country who helped select the candidates. Time and again we hear from nominees that the passion for the University of Virginia shown by these alumni volunteers leaves a very positive impression about the University, regardless of the final results of the competition," Wright added.

Dating back to the beginning of the Jefferson Scholars program in 1980, over 5,750 Jefferson Scholarship nominees have elected to attend the University without having received the Jefferson Scholarship. Over the last five years, Jefferson Scholarship nominees have comprised approximately nine percent of each entering class.

Jefferson Scholarships are designed to help the University attract the most promising student leaders in the country. Students may not apply to become Jefferson Scholars, but rather must either be nominated by their schools or identified through the admissions process. More than 3000 schools are eligible to make nominations annually, including every secondary school in Virginia.