Everett Benchich

Stamps 1693 Scholar

Hometown

Charlotte, NC (Myers Park High School)

Academic Interests

Biochemistry, Math, Pre-Med

Why W&M 

Everyone wants to change the world.

And with a constant bombardment of vivid postcards and statistic-laden emails, every school tries to send the same message: WE are the best force to help you enact your world-changing plans! If you fall for the bright colors and fun fonts, it almost feels true—almost.

The truth is, most schools end up putting each student on a well-worn track for their major of choice. World-changing plans slowly halt in favor of dull coursework that everyone is completing. Bright ideas fall secondary to the mechanical grind of the college system—that is, the goal to funnel as many students towards the diploma as possible.

As a high school senior, thinking about this left me more than a little pessimistic. I felt somewhat downtrodden throughout the application process—how could I be excited when the luster of impact was actually just the sparkle of expert marketing?

However, that burden fell off my shoulders the moment I arrived at the Murray House for the 1693 Scholars Weekend. Greeted by people (students and adults alike) who seemed simply happy to be there, I was somewhat taken aback. Over the subsequent two days, what I discovered was incredible—everyone’s coursework was unique, their research was powerful, and they each got to choose their direction. Their work ranged from teaching children in distant countries to investigating newly discovered bacteria, and each distinct field contributed to their cohesive goal to generate tangible change.

It quickly dawned on me: this school had cracked the code. Give students academic autonomy, and real-world impact follows suit.

Goodbye, well-worn track. Goodbye, mechanical college system. I’m off to William & Mary, where I can make my own way and genuinely change the world.

High School Activities 

• Online Student, North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics
• Kitchen Head and Ballroom Dance Instructor, National League of Junior Cotillions (Charlotte Chapter)
• Actor, Director, and Playwright, Myers Park HS Theatre Dept
• Sterilization and Supply Chain Volunteer, Novant Health Matthews Medical Center
• Varsity Athlete, Myers Park HS Swim Team
• Athlete, Windyrush Swim Team
• President, International Thespian Society Troup #780
• President, Myers Park Acapella (“Park-Cappella”)
• Discrete Mathematics Research Assistant, NCSSM Summer Ventures in Science and Mathematics
• Vice President, Mu Alpha Theta Math National Honor Society
• Secretary and Founding Member, Music Outreach Volunteer Education (MOVE) Club
• Founding Member, Spanish National Honor Society
• Member, National Honor Society
• Outbreak! Program Participant National Museum of Public Health
• Classically Trained Pianist

Awards / Distinctions

• Gold Cup for Piano Solo, National Federation of Music Clubs
• Ryan McGee Spirit Award, Windyrush Swim Team
• Spirit of Theatre Award, Myers Park HS Theatre Department
• Curious Savage Award, Myers Park HS Theatre Dept
• Four-Year Athlete Distinction, Myers Park HS Athletics
• Superior Rating for Solo Acting, North Carolina International Thespian Society
• Superior Rating for Duet Musical Number, North Carolina International Thespian Society
• Superior Rating for Solo Musical Number, North Carolina International Thespian Society
• First Place and Critic’s Choice, North Carolina ITS One-Act Competition
• National AP Scholar with Distinction
• National Merit Scholarship Finalist
• AP World History Department Award, Myers Park HS
• AP Calculus BC Department Award, Myers Park HS
• AP Environmental Science Department Award, Myers Park HS
• CPCC Pathway Completer Award, Myers Park HS
• Horner Award, Myers Park HS