Meredith College Announces Top Scholarship Recipients in the Class of 2025

Meredith College has selected three members of the incoming Class of 2025 to receive Meredith Legacy and Presidential scholarships, which are the College’s top academic awards. 

Catherine Stanley, of Goldsboro, N.C., is the recipient of the Meredith Legacy Scholarship. 

Stanley is a senior at Wayne Country Day School. Her accomplishments include earning a national commendation through the National Merit Scholarship Program, attending N.C. Governor’s School and the Junior Leadership of Wayne County program, being named Distinguished Young Woman of Wayne County, and earning several academic awards for excellence. Her activities include varsity tennis, dance (performing and teaching), serving as a junior marshal, leadership programs, and community service. Stanley is considering majoring in  dance and English.

Recipients of The Meredith Legacy Scholarship, a full, four-year scholarship, are selected based on merit, including superior standardized test scores, academic achievement, high school and community leadership ability, and strong communication skills. Established and funded by Meredith College alumnae, the Meredith Legacy Scholarship is the highest honor available to entering freshmen at Meredith. Additional benefits of the Meredith Legacy Scholarship include international study, leadership training, enrichment programs and mentoring.

Lydia Bonecutter, of Pinehurst, N.C., and Vanessa Jaimes Bustos, of Asheboro, N.C., are the recipients of Meredith’s Presidential Scholarship.

Bonecutter is a senior at Pinecrest High School, where she has been active in the speech and debate club, Spanish club, Theatre, and Spectrum. She was selected for the National Honor Society and was a junior marshal. Bonecutter is a Girl Scout who has earned Bronze and Silver awards and is working toward the Gold Award. Her Silver award project involved creating bilingual literacy packets for Hope Academy, a preschool at the Northern Moore Family Resource Center. She plans to major in psychology. 

Jaimes Bustos is a senior at Southwestern Randolph High School, where she has served in Student Government as president and vice president, chief editor of yearbook, junior marshal, and a varsity cross country team member. She has also completed service in her community as a Beta Club member and through volunteering at the Salvation Army. Jaimes Bustos plans to major in biology/pre-med.

Presidential Scholars, like Meredith Legacy Scholars, represent the top tier of honors students at Meredith College. The Presidential Scholarship provides full tuition. The selection of the Meredith College Presidential Scholarship recipient is based on merit, including superior academic achievement, intellectual promise and leadership ability.

Learn more about admission to Meredith