News and Events

McKenzie Clark wins $25,000 in Scholarships to Study in England as the 2020 Luard Morse Scholar

National News

New York City: Ms. McKenzie Clarke, an English major from Murfreesboro, TN, and a sophomore at Spelman College in Atlanta, GA, has been selected as the recipient of an English-Speaking Union Luard Morse Scholarship.  Karen Karpowich, Executive Director of the English-Speaking Union, announced the winner, noting that she will receive $25,000 toward a semester of study at any university of her choosing in the United Kingdom during the 2020-2021 academic year.

"The English-Speaking Union Luard Morse Scholarship Committee is excited about this truly exceptional student," stated Duane Hughes, the chair of the Luard Morse Scholarship Committee. "We, the Luard-Morse Scholarship Committee, are thrilled to reward McKenzie for her habit of excellence. We know that she will make the most of her time in the U.K., ensuring that it will be a life-changing experience, bringing back her glorious memories and lessons learned for herself, her community and family and friends. She is a true ambassador. Enjoy the adventure! Congratulations!"

McKenzie looks forward to attending Goldsmiths, University of London, where she will serve as an unofficial ambassador for the United States while abroad and for the United Kingdom upon returning to Spelman College.

Amariyah Ayee

Alexis Brooks

Kayla Reado

The three other finalists for the English-Speaking Union Luard Morse Scholarship were Ms. Amariyah Ayee, a Biology major and Chemistry minor from Columbia, SC, a sophomore at Claflin University in Orangeburg, SC; Ms. Alexis Brooks, a Sociology major and Environmental Science minor from Birmingham, AL, a sophomore at Spelman College in Atlanta, GA; and Ms. Kayla Reado, an English and International Studies double major from Terrytown, LA, a sophomore at Spelman College in Atlanta, GA.  

The Luard Morse Scholarship committee comprises dedicated program alumni, including Laurence Morse, PhD (1972); Duane Hughes (1985); Darrell Hill (1990); and Jill Toliver Richardson, PhD (1998) as well as Christopher Medalis, PhD, International Education Consultant.

Since 1969, The English-Speaking Union has provided Luard Morse Scholarships to students attending HBCUs as well as Howard and Hampton Universities to study in the United Kingdom. These merit awards, which are open to sophomores pursuing a four-year degree, provide up to $25,000 for a semester of study at any university in the United Kingdom. Students in all disciplines are eligible. The scholarship has been awarded to students majoring in economics, philosophy, finance, mathematics, liberal arts and the sciences.  For additional information about the English-Speaking Union Luard Morse Scholarships, please visit the Luard Morse Scholarships pages on the English-Speaking Union website at this link or contact Betty Trevino-Roth, Senior Manager, School and Teacher Programs at btrevinoroth@esuus.org or 212-818-1200, ext. 246.

Founded in 1920, the English-Speaking Union is a nonprofit, nonpolitical organization that employs English as a catalyst to foster global understanding and good will by providing educational and cultural opportunities for students, educators and members.

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