Anthony Muñoz Foundation Honors Melissa Teke `24 Among Elite Straight 'A' Scholarship Winners

Melissa Teke `24 was named as one of the recipients of the 2024 Straight ‘A’ Scholarship award by the Anthony Muñoz Foundation.

The foundation seeks to recognize students who best represent their interpretation of what it means to be considered a Straight ‘A’ Student: high school students who are pursuing academic excellence and athletic achievement, are actively serving in the community while possessing strong ambition, have a winning attitude, and are able to overcome adversity.

Out of 490 nominations from more than 150 local high schools, Melissa was one of 18 students named a Straight ‘A’ recipient  – nine female and nine male.

Melissa’s achievements include having an exemplary GPA, playing on the girls soccer, basketball, and lacrosse teams, actively participating in Country Day programs such as Students Helping Students, being a Lower School math helper, and coaching an under-9 boys soccer team, all while working at Jersey Mike’s and spending her summers working at a summer camp.

 “It means everything,” says Teke about receiving this award. “Getting any amount of money to help pay for college is nice. I was also impressed that you don’t just need to have straight A’s to receive this award, but you are also recognized for overcoming adversity. I lost my mom when I was younger and that was a struggle for me. Transferring schools helped a lot. People recognizing the challenges I’ve had to overcome to get where I am today has definitely made an impact on my life.”

Chuck McGivern, assistant director of college counseling, was the staff member who nominated Melissa for the award.

“Even though she had to deal with unfortunate circumstances, she is one of the strongest kids I know,” says McGivern. “She essentially had to become an adult overnight.”

As part of her essay for the scholarship, Melissa wrote, “I have accomplished so much; way more than I could ever imagine, and I know she [her mom] is looking down from heaven cheering me on. When I need her, I look up and talk to her, and although she can’t physically respond, I know exactly what she is saying.”

“Melissa exemplifies resilience,” continues McGivern. “She’s such a strong, young, independent woman who is so thoughtful in the way she acts and speaks. I know she’s going to succeed greatly in whatever she does after school.”

In the fall, Melissa will attend Earlham College in Richmond, Indiana, where she will major in psychology and play soccer.