A West Hartford resident who just graduated from Hall Hall High School is one of five statewide recipients of a college scholarship through a program started by former U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman.

By Ronni Newton

The Joe Lieberman Connecticut Scholarship Fund has announced its ninth class of Lieberman Scholars, and West Hartford resident Greta Magendantz, is one of five in 2021 chosen to receive the scholarship.

Magendantz, a member of Hall High School’s Class of 2021, will be attending Northeastern University where she plans to major in English and political science.

Magendantz has received the President’s Volunteer Service Award, and while a student at Hall was president of the Westmoor 4-H Club and National Honor Society. A captain of the track and field team, she was named All-Conference for shotput. Magendantz also participated in Hall’s Comedy Improv Troupe and Unified Theater, and earned the 2020-21 American Legion Award and the National Council of Teachers of English Achievement Award in Writing.

As a Lieberman Scholar, Magendantz will receive a $1,500 scholarship for her freshman year, which can be renewed for the following three years by maintaining a solid academic record with a 3.0 grade point average. Fifteen college students who were previous recipients and are currently still enrolled have had their scholarships renewed, the organization stated in a news release. The program first began in 2013.

“Higher education can provide the foundation for greater opportunity, enabling determined and inspiring young people to advance their studies and achieve their aspirations,” said former Sen. Lieberman in a statement. “I am pleased to support these students with this scholarship. It is a way for me to express my appreciation and give back to Connecticut. And it reflects my confidence that these young people, along with past scholarship recipients, will distinguish themselves in their academic studies and beyond, influencing the future of their local communities and our nation.”

The Joe Lieberman Connecticut Scholarship Fund received 502 applications in 2021 from students attending 164 high schools in 141 Connecticut cities and towns.

The review and evaluation of applications was completed by a selection committee at Scholarship America, based on factors including academic record, demonstrated leadership and participation in school and community activities, work experience, and career and educational goals and objectives.

Financial need is not considered. Preference is given to applicants who demonstrate outstanding leadership potential and have a record of community service.

In addition to Magendantz, 2021 Lieberman Scholars include Ellery Campbell of Wallingford, a graduate of Lyman Hall High School who plans to study economics at Brown University; Cassandra Dean of Enfield, a graduate of Enfield High School who plans to study health science at Northeastern University; Julia Grey of Ridgefield, a graduate of Ridgefield High School who plans to study biology at the University of Virginia; and Leila Troxell of Weston, a graduate of Weston High School who will study computer engineering as a Rodman Scholar at the University of Virginia’s School of Engineering.

The scholarship is administered by Scholarship America, the nation’s largest designer and manager ofscholarship, tuition assistance and other education support programs for corporations, foundations, associations and individuals. Sen. Lieberman used excess funds from his campaign fund to seed the scholarship program, and additional funds have been raised. Awards are granted without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, age, gender, disability or national origin, for full-time study at an accredited institution of the students’ choice.

Applications for the 2022 scholarship will open in February 2022 and close in April 2022. Additional information will be available on the website.

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