Branksome Hall graduate Maria Muiruri set to enter UNC as Morehead-Cain Scholar
July 11, 2022
This is the time of year when students see their hardwork pay off and celebrate their accomplishments with family and friends before embarking on the next academic challenge or entering the workforce.
After four years at Branksome Hall, Maria Muiruri graduated with honours and is set to take up a fully-funded scholarship at the University of North Carolina—Chapel Hill.
She is among a class of 75 Morehead-Cain Scholars chosen from around the world.
Just three Canadians are selected annually for the prestigious award that was the first merit scholarship program established in the United States and the first to implement a strategic enrichment program. It fully funds four years of study and summer programs.
Morehead-Cain brings together a thriving cohort of thinkers, leaders, dreamers, creators and adventurers, providing them the tools to unleash their potential. In addition to their studies, scholars have access to a network of peers and mentors, challenging internships and summer experiences and an opportunity for world travel.
Muiruri considered the University of British Columbia and Queen’s University before settling on UNC that she visited last March.
“Education is very important to me and my family and any funding that will help me focus on that instead of having to worry about school payments is very helpful,” she said. “I also wanted to have the experience of living away from home and experiencing a new culture and what it is like to navigate life in another country. I just like the idea of living on my own while going to university.”
Having an older brother who was a Morehead-Cain Scholar also helped in swaying her decision.
Kimathi Muiruri graduated last year and is off to Oxford University in October as a Rhodes Scholar.
For undergraduate studies, Muiruri is considering pursuing Political Science and History.
“I am interested in the Humanities and seeing how social and government systems work,” she said.
Muiruri, who plans to go to law school, made quite the impact in high school.
She co-headed the Black Student Union, co-founded the student-run Diversity Council, served as Student Government Prefect, was an executive member of the Debate & Public Speaking team and initiated a Black student mentorship program to promote cultural knowledge among junior and senior students.
Last April, she emceed the student-led Portia White plaque unveiling commemorative ceremony.
In addition, Muiruri captained the FIRST Robotics team 7712 and was a member of the FIRST Canada Youth Council where she started and led the Diversity FIRST social media initiative that highlights minority groups STEM contributions to an audience of about 20,000.
For these significant contributions, she was awarded the $10,000 FIRST Canada Canadian Women in STEM scholarship presented annually to a robotics student who demonstrates leadership and commitment to the advancement of equity, diversity and inclusion.
During COVID-19, Muiruri built a UV-light sterilization cart in three days for a North York women’s shelter.
“I delivered it to them and explained how it works,” she said. “It really helped as the frontline workers were able to clean families’ items such as keys and also cell phones that staff members share.”
In the last 15 years, the African-Canadian Christian Network (ACCN) has collaborated with independent day and boarding schools in the Greater Toronto Area to provide Black students with scholarships.
Muiruri is among more than 150 students to benefit from the partnership.
She joined Branksome Hall in Grade 9 after attending St. Isaac Jogues Catholic School in Pickering.
“I enjoyed the last four years in high school because of the initiatives I have spearheaded to enhance the school environment and also the support I have had around me,” said Muiruri. “I am aware of the possibilities out there for me and very well prepared for university.”
The confident teenager also grasped the opportunity to develop her public speaking skills.
Like her brother, Muiruri enjoys debating.
In Grade 10, she attended the provincial bilingual debating competition and the Stanford Invitational Speech & Debate tournament.
“What I like about debating is that it is logical,” Muiruri noted. “You have to choose a side of the argument. My favourite part is making the case that my argument is stronger than the other side.”
She encouraged parents to consider sending their children to private schools if given the opportunity.
“You should go for it and not be intimidated by the environment,” Muiruri said. “There are life experiences that your child will get at these schools that you will have to navigate with them. The good thing is there are a network of parents whose children have passed through these schools and are willing to meet and talk to new parents. It is also very important that you are involved with your child all the way through in these schools. Be actively engaged with the school and make sure they know your face.”
