a
MERIT SCHOLARSHIP
Awarding academic distinction and extracurricular involvement in areas such as athletics, the arts, innovation, or community service.
The Debbie Robson
Who was Debbie Robson?
Ms. Robson , who joined Steward in 1999, served as a tutor and taught Middle School math before becoming admissions director in 2009. In 2013, she was named associate head of school for community advancement. Ms. Robson’s love for Steward was evident in everything she did, and this scholarship honors her dedication to the school that she treasured.
Ms. Robson's family attends an annual brunch to celebrate scholars past and present.
The
Debbie Robson MERIT
SCHOLARSHIP
Learning and Thriving
The Debbie Robson Scholarship, which provides four years of full Upper School tuition to a rising ninth grader who is new to Steward, is an opportunity for your child to experience all that Steward has to offer!
Robson Scholars are students from middle schools throughout Virginia. They are welcomed by our entire community, and, like all Spartans, have opportunities inside and outside the classroom to flourish, including athletics, theatre, visual arts, music, robotics, clubs, and community service.
On the following pages, you’ll meet some of our former scholars and read how life at Steward inspired and transformed them as they explored their interests (and discovered new ones). They learned that there is no limit to what Spartans can do!
College readiness is an integral part of the Steward experience, and starting in ninth grade, Upper Schoolers meet regularly with our College Counseling team. We are proud that nearly all of our seniors are offered admission to a top-choice college or university. Apply Now! We invite your student to apply for the Debbie Robson Merit Scholarship. Scan this QR code to get started!
Debbie Robson Merit Scholars
Through the Years: Steward’s
Class of 2019 MORGAN KING
Matriculated from: The Steward School Steward Notables: Choir, theatre, National Honor Society, volleyball, the Stewardship Club College: William & Mary
Morgan King ’19 lives in Washington, D.C., and works as an international trade paralegal at a law firm. In the future, she hopes to work as a policy analyst at a think tank or nonprofit that specializes in health policy.
“Being a Robson scholar was one of the highlights of my time at Steward, and I was, and continue to be, honored to carry on a piece of Debbie Robson’s legacy.“
Class of 2019 AAYUSH LALWANEY
Matriculated from: George H. Moody Middle School
Steward
Notables:
Entrepreneurship Studies program, musical theatre, marketing College: Virginia Tech
“Being a Robson Scholar provided me with a wealth of opportunities to explore diverse interests without boundaries,” said Aayush. “I was offered the support I needed to dive into various disciplines, allowing me to discover a love for musical theatre and to hone my interest in entrepreneurship. A major highlight was the Entrepreneurship Studies program, which offered firsthand insight into the day-to-day operations of businesses. This blend of creative extracurriculars and unique opportunities defined my time as a scholar.” Aayush works as a media analyst in New York City.
Debbie Robson Merit Scholars
Through the Years: Steward’s
Class of 2020 MATTHEW CANTOR
Matriculated from:
The Steward School Steward Notables: Soccer, Entrepreneurship Studies program, robotics club, theatre
College: University of Michigan College of Engineering
Matthew said the Robson Scholarship motivated him to “make the most of the amazing opportunity I was gifted and live up to Debbie Robson’s legacy.” Matthew is a platoon leader for the Law Enforcement Activity (LEA) and the executive officer for LEA and the 549th Military Working Dog Detachment at Fort Wainwright, Alaska.
Class of 2020 SONALI SANJAY
Matriculated from: Robious Middle School Steward Notables: Tennis, Model UN, Admissions Ambassador, Upper School newspaper founde College: Duke University
Sonali, an investor at Primordial Ventures, shared, “Before I became a Robson Scholar, I had no idea that a community like Steward existed. Life as a scholar was vibrant, and I was given the space to be myself. The greatest lesson that I learned in those four years was one that shaped me completely: Community is everything.”
Through the Years: Steward’s Debbie Robson Merit Scholars
Class of 2021 JACK MORGAN
Matriculated from: Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School
Steward Notables: Lacrosse, swimming, cross country, science College: Virginia Tech
“Being a Robson Scholar gave me the opportunity to attend Steward, which had a major impact on my personal and professional development,” said Jack.
“One of the things that stands out most about Steward is its small, supportive environment. It created a space where I felt comfortable trying new things and really exploring my interests, especially in creative media and science.” Now a regional operations specialist on Mazda’s Midwest aftersales team, Jack said that many of the skills he uses daily — communication, collaboration, and critical thinking — connect directly to his Steward education.
Matriculated from:
The Steward School Steward Notables: Lacrosse, commencement speaker College: Virginia Tech, Columbia University
“Being a Robson Scholar prepared me to step confidently into the world beyond Steward,” said Nicole.
“It served as a powerful catalyst, encouraging me to live audaciously and truly embody the proverb, ‘closed mouths don’t get fed.’”
Now a first-year Master of Public Health student at Columbia University, she is pursuing a degree in health policy and management.
Nicole also works as a project coordinator for the Virginia Health Workforce Development Authority, where she supports initiatives aimed at strengthening the healthcare workforce in medically underserved areas.
“The Robson Scholarship gave me the courage and confidence to pursue my goals relentlessly and with intention,” she said.
Through the Years: Steward’s Debbie
Class of 2022 LUCIA FOLGER
Matriculated from:
Our Lady of Lourdes
Catholic School
Steward Notables:
Model UN, scholarship recipient to study Chinese language College: UVA
Lucia is enrolled at UVA, where she studies public policy and foreign affairs. Ultimately, she hopes to pursue a career within the intersection of national security policy, international politics, and international economics. A highlight from her Upper School life at Steward was the opportunity to explore new interests and to engage in hands-on, real-world experiences.
“Taking Spanish at Steward fostered my love of languages, and participating in Model UN made me realize I wanted to go into international relations,” she shared.
Class of 2022 ALAINA JEFFERSON
Matriculated
from: The Steward School Steward Notables: Basketball, travel, neuroscience internship College: Vanderbilt University
“A sense of belonging made my Steward experience personal and purposeful,” said Alaina. “I immersed myself in academic, athletic, and global opportunities, and traveled to Spain during my sophomore year.” Being member of the basketball team that won two state championships was incredibly meaningful for Alaina: “Those seasons taught me lessons about teamwork, perseverance, and leadership that I carry with me.” Alaina graduated from Vanderbilt University with a degree in neuroscience and a minor in Spanish. She is applying to medical schools and hopes to pursue a career as a women’s health physician.
Through the Years: Steward’s Debbie Robson Merit Scholars
Class of 2023
BELLA
TOPICH
Matriculated from: Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School Steward Notables: Admissions Ambassador, Hispanic Honor Society, award-winning artist College: William & Mary
“Being a scholar allowed me to be surrounded by a group of talented peers, which motivated me to be a better student and person,” said Bella. “I was and still am challenged to push myself to learn more, grow more, and excel in everything I do. The drive that was instilled through this opportunity motivated me to go above and beyond in my academics and extracurriculars, and it undoubtedly enriches my college experience as I pursue majors in marketing and studio art.”
Class of 2024 ANA REVELES LEON
Matriculated from: Saint Mary’s Catholic School
Steward Notables:
Art exhibitor, cross country, Model UN, diversity conference participant, Hispanic Honor Society College: Harvard
Ana shared, “The Robson Scholarship was a deeply meaningful experience because it was the first time a group of people truly believed in my potential and chose to invest in my future. As an eighth grader, I did not fully understand how significant that support was. I feel incredibly grateful to have had a community that encouraged me and hoped for my success.”
Ana is at Harvard studying mechanical engineering and economics, where she is developing augmented reality lens technology designed to transform how people interact with healthcare and social systems.
Class of 2025 XAVIER NELSON
Debbie Robson Merit Scholars
Through the Years: Steward’s
Matriculated from: Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School
Steward Notables:
Minimester internship, Leadership Program College: Rochester Institute of Technology
“After receiving the Robson scholarship, I met many of the previous winners, which provided me with some great connections,” said Xavier.
“The scholarship equipped me with a network that I could depend on.” Xavier loves public speaking, and Steward gave him ample opportunities to build his communication skills, from panel discussions to a graduation speech.
At Rochester Institute of Technology, he’s involved in the National Society of Black Engineers and the American Society of Civil Engineers and is a member of the basketball team.
Xavier is majoring in civil engineering technology with a minor in business management.
Matriculated from: Saint Bridget Catholic School
Steward Notables: Hispanic Honor Society, Admissions Ambassador, Entrepreneurship Studies program
Natalia knew about Steward because she had participated in the school’s LEAP summer program. At the time that she was named a Robson Scholar, she shared, “I look forward to finding my path at Steward academically and artistically.” And she’s done just that. “I have had the opportunity to be in the Leadership Program, where I made lasting connections and participated in lifechanging projects,” she said. “At Steward, I challenged myself to my full potential, and I was a member of four honor societies. In college, I plan to study international relations on a pre-law track. I received acceptance letters to eight colleges!” Class of 2026
Through the Years: Steward’s
Matriculated from:
Saint Mary’s Catholic School
Steward Notables: Soccer, Minimester travel, Leadership Studies program
“I cannot imagine what life would have been like if I were not attending Steward,” said Lourdes. “I’ve made lifelong memories: class trips, sporting events, and Minimester.” Now in her final year of the Leadership Studies program, Lourdes also manages the girls varsity soccer team and is working toward her black belt in karate. This summer, she attended a pre-college course in forensics at Georgetown University. She also participated in an FBI Teen Academy, where she continued to develop her leadership skills. Lourdes plans to study criminology and forensic science in college.
Class of 2028 LEXI TURNER
Matriculated from: George H. Moody Middle School
Steward Notables: Theatre, community service, choir, Admissions Ambassador
Lexi shared, “I credit all of my success to being a Robson Scholar. I created a Middle/Upper School buddy program in which sixth graders team up with freshmen and sophomores for friendship and community. I’m also involved in theatre and serve as an Admissions Ambassador. Outside of Steward, I’m active in my church choir, and I take vocal and dance lessons.
I plan to study pediatric medicine in college.”
Robson Merit Scholars
Debbie
Through the Years: Steward’s
Class of 2029
SYDNEY
DUDA
Matriculated from: St. Mary’s Catholic School Steward Notables: Leadership Program, athletics
“I try to represent Debbie Robson in everything that I do, whether that is being a supportive, enthusiastic member of the basketball team or striving to get an A+ on my physics exam,” said Sydney. She is thrilled to have lots of opportunities at Steward to hone her public speaking skills. “The ability to communicate well will be beneficial in the college application process and beyond,” she said. The best part about being a Spartan, she added, is “the real connections I have with my teachers and classmates.”
Class of 2030 JULIAN YOUNG
Matriculated from:
St. Michael’s Episcopal School
Julian, the 2026 Debbie Robson Merit Scholarship recipient, comes to Steward with a passion for dancing, art, photography, music, soccer, and community service.
When Julian toured the campus, he was impressed by the Bryan Innovation Lab. He was also thrilled to know that Steward has almost 40 competitive sports teams. “I plan to try out for the soccer team,” he said. “I also look forward to participating in the Entrepreneurship Studies program!”
Steward extends a warm welcome to our newest Robson Scholar!
At the heart of Steward is our mission: to prepare students for college and for life. Spartans are lifelong learners and change-makers who take an active role in shaping the future.
Recipients are chosen for their academic distinction and extracurricular involvement in areas such as athletics, the arts, innovation, or community service. Robson Scholars have a variety of interests and accomplishments, and they began their Steward journey like all Spartans, ready to explore, discover, and make new friends.
The Debbie Robson MERIT SCHOLARSHIP