2 Gifted Mill Valley Students Win Full Ride To High School

MILL VALLEY, CA — Two Mill Valley students were among only 28 students from across the country who recently won the Institute for Educational Advancement's Caroline D. Bradley Scholarship.

The scholarship is awarded solely on merit to high-achieving seventh graders and provides a four-year scholarship to an optimally matched high school program. The scholarship aims to help recipients work toward meeting their "unique intellectual and personal potential," according to the Institute for Educational Advancement, which is dedicated to the intellectual, creative and personal growth of the nation's gifted and high-potential youth.

"When given the access and opportunity to learn in an environment that meets a student's intellectual needs, their whole self is awakened," said Elizabeth Jones, president and co-founder of the Institute for Educational Advancement. "This scholarship provides financial and personal support so these exceptionally gifted students can focus on their quest for knowledge and work toward their full potential."

Eli Krasnoff, an eighth grader at GATE Academy in San Rafael, and Audrey Orum, an eighth grader at Headlands Preparatory School in Sausalito, were among the award recipients of the scholarship for the class of 2025. Both students are 13 years old and live in Mill Valley.

"I find it hilarious that two children who know each other well, living in the same town, were chosen for a national scholarship of roughly 28 people," Audrey said. "What are the chances of that?

"For me, winning the scholarship means not only help in choosing a high school, but also provides me a group of interesting, like-minded peers," she added. "I am excited to get to know this group of kids — and hope we can do it in person someday."

Eli said the scholarship will help him have a "more-tailored, and therefore better, high school experience."

"Additionally, I am excited to meet this wonderful community that the Institute for Educational
Advancement has created through the Caroline D. Bradley Scholarship offering. I am also excited to meet the incredible mentors this program has to offer. It will be an amazing journey."

Both students applied for the scholarship program when they were in seventh grade.

Applicants were required to complete a rigorous portfolio application process, which included essays, middle school transcripts, two recommendations and a work sample. Eligible applicants also achieved scores at or above the 97th percentile on nationally normed standardized tests.

This year's selection committee process looked different due to the coronavirus pandemic. Each of the three selection committees — comprised of a diverse group of nationwide high school and university admissions directors, scholarship alumni, community members and business leaders — met virtually to review scholarship applications. Staff also conducted interviews via videoconference with each of the finalists and parents.

Eli and his family learned about the program from a mom in Marin whose daughter won the scholarship in 2012.

"When they first interviewed me and asked me to tell them a little bit about myself, I joked that they probably already knew more about me than I did myself," he said about the application process.

"It was a nice opportunity to look back at everything I have done in my life, as well as helping me figure out what my current priorities are."

Audrey, who learned about the scholarship program while attending a camp that is involved with the organization, said the application process took her eight months to complete.

"Though it was rigorous, it was worth it," said Audrey, who included a video about her love for the Point Reyes National Seashore, where she volunteers.

Neither Audrey nor Eli yet know which high school they would like to attend. But over the next several months, the Institute for Educational Advancement staff, current scholars and scholarship alumni will provide guidance to the new class of scholars as they begin to identify potential high school programs, complete applications, and prepare their individualized educational plans for next year's high school entrance.

"Once I find a good fit for high school, that will really cultivate my passion for learning, in addition to expanding my horizons to different subjects," Eli said.

"In addition to support at high school and a group of like-minded peers, it can also potentially help me get internships in my areas of interest," Audrey said. "I hope the network it provides can help me pursue my love of science and the environment."

The Institute for Educational Advancement has awarded 349 scholarships to gifted learners and alumni. Currently, there are 196 alumni, 112 of whom have graduated from college and are in the work force, attending graduate school or participating in international service and fellowship programs.

The application for the next class of Caroline D. Bradley Scholars will be available in November.