EHS senior wins prestigious Jefferson Scholarship to attend U of Virginia

Phoebe Zamoff, a senior at Edina High School, has been awarded one of the most highly selective merit scholarships in the nation. The Jefferson Scholars Foundation at the University of Virginia selected Phoebe as one of 40 recipients of the Jefferson Scholarship. She will commence her studies in the fall at U.Va.

In order to be named a Scholar, candidates must undergo a rigorous, highly competitive, multi-stage selection process. First, they are nominated by their high schools based on their demonstrated excellence and exceptional potential in the areas of leadership, scholarship, and citizenship. Once nominated, the students go through at least one round of regional interviews. If selected, students are then invited to participate in a final round of interviews. This year, nearly 2,200 students were nominated for the Scholarship, and 139 finalists were invited to take part in remote interviews conducted by U.Va. alumni and faculty.

The 40 selected recipients of the 2022 Jefferson Scholarship boast a number of significant achievements and Phoebe is no exception. During her time at Edina High School, Phoebe was Student Council president and a member of the choir. She founded the student-led club called S.A.F.E. which works to prevent sexual assault and support victims. She also founded a nonprofit called Shop For One More, that helps bring food to families in need.

In addition to receiving the full cost of attending the University for four years, Jefferson Scholars benefit from a number of enrichment programs sponsored by the Foundation, including travel abroad, career networking activities, an outdoor challenge program, and a leadership speaker series.