The Steward School is proud to announce that Mercedes Torres ’27 is the inaugural recipient of the Melanie G. Rodriguez Scholarship. Watch the video announcing this exciting event.

In 2007, Melanie G. Rodriguez founded the Latino Education Advancement Program (LEAP), a tuition-free, four-week summer program at Steward for Latino students entering grades 8-12. Her exemplary leadership and teaching enriched the lives of countless students. Mrs. Rodriguez, who also taught Spanish at Steward, retired in 2022 after 32 years at the school.

The scholarship provides a $10,000 yearly merit scholarship for Upper School tuition at Steward to a new or current student entering grade 9, 10, or 11. Recipients are chosen based on strong character, community service involvement, academics, and potential. The student needs to have participated in the Latino Education Advancement Program.

The Melanie G. Rodriquez Scholarship is made possible by the generosity of the family of Lisa and Larry French, parents of Elliot French ’20. Mr. French, a member of Steward’s Foundation Board, and the previous chair of the Board of Trustees, said, “The scholarship will give Mercedes a leg up in her education. She gets the best of the Steward experience. Steward helps kids find themselves and their path … and it opens them to what their opportunities are. I’m privileged to be able to help.” 

Ms. Rodriguez was moved to tears when she heard that Mr. and Mrs. French decided to support the scholarship. 

“I was overjoyed and overwhelmed,” she recalled. “Of course, the tears flowed!” 

Mercedes, who participated in the LEAP program as an eighth grader, is a dedicated student and a member of the Steward choir. Civically minded, she enjoys volunteering at the Evelyn D. Reinhart Guest House and the Ronald McDonald House. 

 

“I hands-down love the LEAP community,” said Mercedes. “When Ms. Ramirez called my mom [to tell me I was the recipient of the scholarship] we were on the way home from school. We got so excited that we barely heard anything else that she was saying!” 

Small classes, supportive teachers, and a caring community combine to make LEAP an enriching experience that contributes to high school success and college readiness. Through various classes — English, math, Spanish, and more — LEAP students learn and make friends in a nurturing environment. They also enjoy extracurriculars, including swimming, photography, chess, and music. In addition, field trips give LEAPers the opportunity to enjoy some of Richmond’s cultural offerings. Junior and senior LEAP students also receive college counseling and explore the college application process.

Now in its 17th year, LEAP fulfills The Steward School’s mission to prepare students for college and for life in a community defined by robust academics, inspiration, engagement, and care. 

World Languages Teacher Claudia Ramirez served as co-director of the LEAP program for several years before taking over as director in 2022. Ms. Ramirez, the recipient of the 2024 Paul R. Cramer Award at Steward, said, “There are currently five LEAP students enrolled at Steward. LEAP is a wonderful way for young people to create community and prepare for high school and college. We’re so thankful to Mr. and Mrs. French for this amazing gift to Mercedes and to the school.”