The inaugural Laureate Scholars cohort
At Girls Preparatory School, students are encouraged to follow their curiosity, pursue their passions, and build a life of meaning and purpose. This fall, GPS is proud to introduce a new academic initiative that furthers this mission: the Laureate Scholars Program, a personalized learning pathway designed to help girls dig deep into an area of personal interest while developing skills and insights that will prepare them for life beyond GPS.
Open to motivated sophomores and juniors, the Laureate Scholars Program invites participants to explore a self-selected concentration area through coursework, cocurricular experiences, independent projects, and community involvement. The goal? To give students the time, space, and guidance to develop true expertise in something they care about—and to tell a compelling story about that journey.
This past spring, the first cohort was selected, and work will begin this fall. The inaugural class is composed of Elle Boals, Bea Burbank, Liliana Coleman, Maud Fiorello, Grayson Friddell, Audrey Gibler, Sophie Grogg, Lily Haney, Josie Jullienne, Amiya Phade, Addie Tabibiazar, Areli Vincent, and Stephanie Zhong. In true GPS spirit, these ladies already dreaming big. Their proposed areas of focus reflect both personal interests and a strong sense of social responsibility. Among the early interests:
Expanding access to the arts by creating spaces for creative expression and offering free performances that extend beyond traditional plays and musicals
Narrowing the political divide through civic engagement initiatives that promote dialogue, understanding, and unity across perspectives
Reducing invasive species in ocean ecosystems while protecting native marine life
Encouraging mental wellness in late elementary-aged children through proactive education, outreach, and mentorship
Expanding composting efforts regionally to reduce waste and raise awareness about sustainable living practices
These emerging projects reflect the core values of the Laureate Scholars Program—curiosity, individuality, and impact. Students will work with faculty mentors and community partners to bring their ideas to life, culminating in a final presentation to a review committee and a digital portfolio that documents their growth and achievements.
“A Laureate Scholar applicant does not need to be at the top of her class in academic performance, but must be invested in her intellectual growth, especially with her area of interest,” says Beth Creswell Wilson ’96, PhD, Associate Head of School for Academics, Head of Upper School. “Most concentrations will entail connecting with experts and constituents outside the GPS community; a strong candidate possesses initiative and professionalism.”
Led by Program Director Tracie Marlin Durham ‘80 and supported by Portfolio Specialist Amanda Hayslett, the program is intentionally designed to be both rigorous and rewarding. Scholars will emerge not only with a record of achievement but with a deeper understanding of themselves and their place in the world—a valuable asset for college applications, scholarships, and beyond.
The Laureate Scholars Program represents GPS’s continued commitment to helping each girl write her own story. Whether in science and engineering, civic and global studies, or the creative arts, students will be encouraged to think independently, act compassionately, and lead with purpose.