Damian Lee Named Northeastern University Torch Scholar

Damian Lee Named Northeastern University Torch Scholar
Posted on 03/30/2018
Damian Lee

A Lake City High School senior has been named a Northeastern University Torch Scholar. As a Torch Scholar, Damian Lee will receive a full-scholarship that includes a comprehensive summer immersion program, intensive academic planning and assessments, in-depth peer and professional mentoring and a wide array of social events that foster group identity and camaraderie. The scholarship is valued at more than $260,000.

Lee said he will major in political science with plans to attend law school.

Lee, a participant in the Florence County School District Three College Planning Cohort Program was nominated for the scholarship by Mychal Wynn, CEO/Founder of the Foundation for Ensuring Access and Equity.

The FCSD3 College Planning Cohort Program, under the supervision of Yvonne Scott, FCSD3 Director of College, Career & Student Outreach Services, is now in its fourth year. The program has assisted over 200 students, of which the majority are first generation students, in developing comprehensive college-bound plans to expand college access and successfully navigate college admissions, scholarships, and financial aid. The program has produced two Gates Millennium Scholars, a QuestBridge Finalist, and a UMBC Meyerhoff Scholar.

Lee, a first generation college student, grew up in a single-parent household of nine siblings after his father's tragic murder when he was two years old. He was selected as one of 50 students from over 500 nominees to be invited to the Northeastern University Torch Scholars Interview Weekend. He also was selected as a recipient of the $25,000 Sallie Mae Bridging the Dream Scholarship earlier this year.

 “Damian has overcome tremendous obstacles, and has maximized all available opportunities to demonstrate leadership, serve his school and community, and take college classes through the dual enrollment program,” Wynn said.

Lee is an Executive Officer in the ROTC program at Lake City High as well as president of the Tri-M Music Honor Society, Lake City High School Ensemble and Gospel Choir, vice-president of the Student Government Association and the National Honor Society.

“This is an amazing opportunity,” said Lee. “Ever since Mr. Wynn nominated me I have been praying that I would be selected. The opportunity to attend college and not have any student loan debt, at such a prestigious University as Northeastern is more than I ever could have imagined.