Highland student follows her brother's lead to UNC Chapel Hill as Morehead-Cain Scholar
A Highland School of Technology senior will attend UNC Chapel Hill for free after receiving the prestigious Morehead-Cain Scholarship.
When Wehazit Mussie found out she was the recipient of a prestigious scholarship on Feb. 16, she was in disbelief.
"I was in a meeting when I got the update in my portal. It said that I was selected for the scholarship and I couldn't believe it," said Mussie.
"I said to myself 'surely, this is a mistake,'" Mussie added.
Mussie was accepted to North Carolina State University and UNC Chapel Hill. She decided to attend Chapel Hill, which she believes will benefit her in the future.
"I am set on Chapel Hill because I do not think I will get the scholarship's same opportunities anywhere else," said Mussie.
Morehead-Cain scholars must fit four key criteria: leadership, character, scholarship and physical vigor.
Upon being selected, the scholarship funds tuition, housing, meals, student fees, books and supplies, as well as study abroad and summer enrichment opportunities throughout the student's four years.
Mussie's leadership skills were demonstrated in her application. She is the co-captain of the tennis team and is currently the senior class president.
To kick off the beginning of her journey, Mussie will head to Oregon in July with her fellow class of 2026 Morehead-Cain scholars on a nearly month-long excursion. Mussie will participate in rafting and mountaineering in the wilderness of Redmond, Oregon.
"I chose what I thought would be the most enriching experience. I am excited to get to know my class and spend time with them," Mussie said.
Mussie plans to major in environmental health science and pre-med.
"I am not sure which field to specialize in but I always knew I wanted to be a doctor. Majoring in environmental health science will allow me to study all of my interests such as the environment and health care," Mussie said.
However, Mussie isn't the only student in Highland to obtain such a prestigious scholarship.
In 2020, her older brother Urael Eliam Mussie became a recipient of the same scholarship. He currently studies biomedical engineering and public health at Chapel Hill. He also graduated from Highland.
Mussie says her parents, Mussie Mebrahtu and Nebiat G-Selassie, were a big part of her accomplishments.
"I think that both kids being recipients of this scholarship just shows our parents' work and effort in our goals. We wouldn't be where we are now without them," Mussie said.
Beatriz Guerrero can be reached at 704-869-1828 or on Twitter@BeatrizGue_.
This article originally appeared on The Gaston Gazette: Highland Tech student follows brother to UNC as Morehead-Cain Scholar
