Bruke Kifle, a senior at Edison High School, is one of 28 students nationwide named a Ron Brown Scholar, a program for African-American youth, and will receive a $40,000 scholarship to attend college.
Kifle is the only recipient from the state of Virginia. As an Edison student, he has worked as a tutor and mentor at the Edison Writing Center where he is known for positively engaging and encouraging his tutees; a Key Club, National Honor Society, and People to People Club officer; a member of the Edison football and outdoor track and field teams; and an International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma candidate. He was selected to participate in the Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars (VASTS) online STEM course and participated in the VASTS summer academy; was chosen for the Carnegie Mellon Summer Academy for Math and Science; and was invited to be a founding member of the school’s Mu Alpha Theta national math honor society. He volunteers as a Homework Hangout and Math Center tutor; participates in Knitting for Peace, Best Buddies, and the Big Siblings Club; and serves at the Debre Genet Medhane Alem Orthodox Church.
"Bruke Kifle embodies every aspect of the IB learner profile,” says Edison IB diploma program coordinator Melanie Morris. “Above and beyond tackling (with success) the most rigorous academic curriculum available at Edison, he is one of the most kind, caring, and well-balanced people I know.”
Science department chair Tony Rugari says, “Bruke is a consummate scholar and gentleman. He is committed to learning and willing to work very hard to maintain his high standard for achievement. While he is devoted to scholarship, he is also devoted to being an active member of his community.”
Named for the late Secretary of Commerce Ronald H. Brown, and inspired by his dedication to public service, the program provides academic scholarships, service opportunities, and leadership experiences for promising African-American youth. To date, the program has awarded scholarships to 340 young men and women, and has a 99 percent graduation rate.