'A testament to the work you've done': Morehead-Cain announces second sophomore class

On Nov. 4, the Morehead-Cain Foundation announced the newest recipients of the Morehead-Cain Scholarship from its Sophomore Selection process. 

The Morehead-Cain was the first merit scholarship program established in the United States, according to its website. The foundation introduced the Sophomore Selection process in 2023, allowing sophomores “who have demonstrated exceptional scholarship” to join the program.

“UNC–Chapel Hill is a training ground for emerging leaders ready to address society’s most complex challenges,” Chris Bradford, President of Morehead-Cain, said. “Sophomore Selection enables Morehead-Cain to accelerate the leadership development of more young leaders.”

To apply for the scholarship, sophomores must be nominated by someone within the Morehead-Cain’s system of campus partners, including University professors, teaching assistants and members of the UNC community. This year, fifteen new scholars were selected.

Amogh Rao, a sophomore selected to join the Class of 2027, said that the nomination was an honor itself. Rao received an email from his professor, Drew Coleman, detailing Coleman’s endorsement for Rao to apply. 

“He was like, ‘I don't know what your chances are, but you will never win a race that you don't enter,’” Rao said.

Rao, who studies biostatistics, said he is active in undergraduate research and volunteering at UNC. He said being invited by a mentor gave him the motivation to continue through to the application process.

“If a professor has so much trust in me and has the confidence that I can succeed in something like this, then I should really give it my best shot,” Rao said. 

After nominees submit written applications, the Morehead-Cain Central Selection Committee curated a group of 36 finalists to advance to the next step of the selection process.

Scholars described the second stage ranging in a variety of evaluations, including interviews, essays and group activities.

Suhan Asaigoli, another sophomore selected for the Class of 2027, is studying neuroscience at UNC. Asaigoli said that having a year at UNC before applying aided immensely in the scholarship process. 

“I was able to use my first year to kind of get my bearings and to figure out what it is that I wanted to do with my college experience, and I feel like that really lent itself well,” he said.

Asaigoli is the CEO of AIMCORP, a nonprofit that is described on its website as furthering philanthropy, innovation and social activism. He also performs with Bharat Sangeet, an Indian classical music group at UNC.

Although sophomore applicants have a similar admissions process to high school students, the foundation states on its website that it places a greater focus on how nominees have demonstrated leadership in college.

“It's really like a testament to the work you've done at Carolina,” Julia Ballou, a new sophomore scholar studying political science and public policy, said. 

Ballou leads efforts to advance menstrual equity, building on her passions from high school to bridge gaps in health care. She said that her advice to upcoming applicants is to embrace authenticity.

“​​I love going for hikes. I love reading for fun," Ballou said. "So I think emphasizing things like that, and sort of getting your personality out there, was definitely something that I focused on in my application.”

Through the course of the application process, Rao said that sharing his passion for piano and love for his Indian culture became equally important as achieving his academic goals. He said he believes the scholarship will allow him to explore new ideas outside his comfort zone with the support of a strong community.

As new scholars, Rao, Asaigoli and Ballou will participate in opportunities such as Civic Collaboration and the Summer Enrichment Program. They will also join the alumni network of over 3,300 Morehead-Cain recipients.

“I think the global exposure is definitely something that stands out to me,” Ballou said. “And then, in terms of the alumni network, I think it's always nice that you can have people that you can turn to.”

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