When Veronica Streamer’s name was announced as the winner of the Strome Family Foundation Scholarship on April 17, she was in complete disbelief. The news didn’t settle in until two days later when the senior was returning from a visit to her dream school – Fordham University.

            While visiting Fordham’s campus and dorms, which are located in the Bronx and Manhattan, the reality of winning the scholarship hit Veronica.

            “It was very rewarding knowing the relief that winning the scholarship will have on my parents,” she said.

            This spring, Veronica, along with classmates Evelyn LaWall, Parker Cartwright, Genevieve Grover, Logan Weaver, Mia Fusani, James Cullinan, Emily Klump, and Trinity Weigley, began the Strome Scholarship application process. The group met with committee members Kathryn Radley, Ryan Winchip, Dr. Michael Irizarry, John Gillen, Scott Gardner, and Tom D’Angelo for a meet and greet, followed by interviews and presentations. Veronica’s presentation highlighted the effects of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on education and journalism.

            “We’re all best friends, so I was nervous competing against them,” said Veronica about the other finalists. “The committee members told us to just be ourselves and I found that part easy.”

            Since middle school, it has been Veronica’s dream to go away to college, and she fell in love with Fordham’s secluded campus, situated mere minutes from the hustle of New York City. It is there that Veronica believes she can stay true to herself, but also connect with others from different backgrounds. It was evident at a young age that Veronica is passionate about writing, which she’s decided to channel into a journalism career.

            “I’m not a science or math person, so I needed to decide what to do with my love of writing. I want to tell other peoples’ stories and explore their backgrounds, and travel,” she said.

            As an active member of the WCS student body, Veronica, who is the daughter of Thomas and Kristi Lee Streamer, has participated in soccer, basketball, track and field, Model UN, Drama Club, and Ski Club. The Strome Family Foundation Scholarship was established in 1995 through the generosity of Mark Strome, a member of the WCS Class of 1974. Mr. Strome, who has been immensely successful in the world of investment finance, has established through The Wyoming Foundation a million-dollar fund, the income from which will be used to provide scholarships for students planning to complete a four-year college program.

A decade from now, Veronica hopes to be a senior editor at “The New York Times” and still living in the Big Apple. She encourages underclassmen to take a leap of faith and apply for the Strome Scholarship.

            “Just do it. I was hesitant because everyone was so qualified for it, but you miss 100% of the shots that you don’t take.”