2024 Debbie Robson Merit Scholarship Recipient Announced

The Steward School community will welcome a new Debbie Robson Merit Scholarship recipient in fall 2024: Lexi Turner ’28. The scholarship honors Debbie Robson, associate head of school for community advancement, who died in 2014. A cherished member of the Steward community, Ms. Robson was known for her enthusiasm, Spartan spirit, and problem-solving skills. 

This prestigious scholarship provides four years of full Upper School tuition for a rising ninth grader who is new to Steward. Recipients are chosen for their academic distinction, outstanding character, and extracurricular involvement. This is the tenth year that Steward has awarded the scholarship. 

Upper School Curriculum Dean Melissa Freed, a member of the Steward team who interviewed candidates for the scholarship, was duly impressed by Lexi’s poise and talent.

“Lexi’s inquisitive nature, love of learning, and exceptional academic achievement will be an asset to our classrooms and our community as a whole,” said Ms. Freed.

Lexi Turner ’28
Lexi, currently an eighth grader at George H. Moody Middle School, is a dedicated student who is passionate about the performing arts. She landed lead roles in two high school musicals; plays bass guitar and clarinet; and performs for CharacterWorks, an after-school theater program that produces Broadway-style shows. Lexi also shares her vocal talent with her church youth choir. 

“Singing allows me to bond with the people around me,” said Lexi, whose brother Cam ’30 is a sixth grader at Steward. “It’s something I can take with me no matter where I go, so I take it to church, I take it home with me, I take it on vacation!” 

When she found out she was named the recipient of the Debbie Robson Merit Scholarship, Lexi and some friends had just arrived at her house after a cast party.

“It was a chaotic, fun moment,” she shared. “My friends started screaming! My mom and I went outside to try to get away from all the noise, but then our dogs followed us outside and kept barking. It was an amazing moment. I am inspired by Ms. Robson's legacy and hope to carry on her compassion and her welcoming nature.” 

Service to others is also important to Lexi, who participates in community service projects, including cooking for those in need. At Steward, she’ll have lots of opportunities to team up with classmates and make meaningful connections with the community beyond campus. Asked what she most looks forward to as a Spartan, Lexi didn’t hesitate.

“I’m looking forward to the theatre program and Leadership Program!” she said. 

On April 6, the Steward community gathered on campus for a brunch to give a special Spartan welcome Lexi to the school and to celebrate Ms. Robson’s legacy. Attendees included several past recipients of the Debbie Robson Merit Scholarship. Make a gift to Steward’s Debbie Robson Merit Scholarship.

View the Steward Snaps of the 2024 Debbie Robson Merit Scholarship brunch.

Lourdes Olivencia ’27(2023)

Natalia Jimenez ’26 (2022)

Xavier Nelson ’25 (2021)

Ana Reveles Leon '24 (2020)

Bella Topich '23 (2019)

Lucia Fogler '22 and Alaina Jefferson '22 (2018)

Jack Morgan '21 and Nicole Odibo '21 (2017)

Matthew Cantor '20 and Sonali Sanjay '20 (2016)

Morgan King '19 and Aayush Lalwaney '19 (2015)