ELI AZIERE

Eli Aziere was born in Wichita, Kansas, and has lived there his entire life. He has attended The Independent School since pre-kindergarten and will graduate in May 2024. He is still deciding what school he will attend next year but has applied to eight schools in seven states so far. 

As a student at The Independent School, Eli has been involved with many organizations such as Scholars’ Bowl, National Honor Society, Student Council, Biology and Environmental Club, Spanish Honor Society, and Renaissance Club. Eli serves as his school’s student body president and has used this position to promote greater student involvement and to make sure that the students’ opinions are reflected when making important policy decisions. 

He has also participated in baseball, track, swimming, diving, and cross country throughout his time in high school. By participating in so many activities, Eli has pushed himself out of his comfort zone and learned the importance of trying new things as well as persisting even when some challenges seem insurmountable. 

Eli’s favorite activity in high school has been Scholars’ Bowl. He has been the Varsity captain for the past four years and has led his team to state three years in a row. He believes that Scholars’ Bowl is so important to him because it taught him how to be a polymath. By understanding and being able to draw from a wide range of subject areas, he has gained a greater understanding of the world, which has led to a curiosity to explore different peoples and their cultures. 

Outside of high school, Eli loves to volunteer. This past summer, he served as his school’s Prairie Schooner Mate Ambassador at the Wichita River Festival. This experience was eye-opening for him because he was able to meet so many incredible people and experience an event that is important in his hometown. He has also served as a representative for Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership in the summer of 2022 and has volunteered for the Child Advocacy Center, The Salvation Army, and Habitat for Humanity. Eli is grateful for all of the service opportunities presented to him because they have taught him the importance of humility as well as serving the greater good. 

Eli plans on receiving a double major in political science and anthropology or history and anthropology on the pre-law track. Eli also plans on traveling, interning, and becoming involved in campus organizations at his college of choice. 

Eli is a big believer in hard work, a value instilled in him by his family. He is excited to meet his fellow scholars and build relationships within the Timothy P. O’Shaughnessy Foundation in the coming years. He is extremely grateful for the opportunities the Foundation has given him and can’t wait to see what the future will hold