Ty Besses ’22 has been fearless in using his voice to affect change throughout his four years at Christ School.
Now that Ty is a Morehead-Cain Scholar, the avenues to continue his work are endless.
Ty found out this week that he has been awarded one of the most highly-coveted scholarships available to high school seniors.
The Morehead-Cain fully covers four years of education to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a per-semester stipend for general spending, funding for a gap year, and four summer experiences.
Ty said Friday that he is 100 percent sure he will accept the Morehead-Cain but hasn’t yet decided what major to pursue at UNC.
“It’s the opportunity of a lifetime to make a change and make a difference,” Ty said.
“The past few days have been pretty surreal. From my family to my friends, everyone has been really happy for me and so proud.”
The Morehead-Cain was the first merit scholarship program established in the United States and has four criteria – leadership, character, scholarship, and physical vigor. Ty began the application process in October and did his final interview last week.
Ty will truly never forget where he was or what he was doing when he got the news that he had won the scholarship.
Christ School’s senior class was gathered in St. Joseph’s Chapel on Wednesday for an evening of discission with alumni called “100 Nights.” Associate Director of Advancement Isaac Rankin was the host for the event and picked up on Ty’s mannerisms after the senior had read a message on his computer. Mr. Rankin asked Ty to share his news with the group, which then broke into cheers.
Ty’s hometown is Asheville and his parents are Tricia Adell P’22 and Lisa Besses P’22.
Ty has served as the Day Student Prefect for the 2021-22 school year, belongs to the National Honor Society, and is a leader and founding member of the Alliance and Black Student Union groups. He plays basketball and runs track.
Ty won the Philip N. Tilghman Memorial Award in 2019, which goes to the student who has had the most positive impact on the school in his first year. Ahead of the 2020 election, Ty started the school’s voter registration initiative.
“I’m really grateful for my time here at Christ School and the opportunities that the school has given me,” Ty said.
“I wouldn’t have gotten (the Morehead-Cain) without Christ School. I only have a few more months left and I’m just trying to leave the best impact that I can.”