M-W graduate will study in London through the Fulbright Summer Institute

HIGHLAND MILLS — Laura Bakst, a graduate of Monroe-Woodbury High School and now a Cornell University student, has been selected to study at King’s College London on a Fulbright Summer Institute scholarship.

The three-week cultural and academic program centered on the theme of the London 2012 Olympics Games will allow Bakst the opportunity to study at King’s College and experience England with five other Fulbright Summer Institute participants, according to the press release announcing her award.

Bakst is from Highland Mills and is a graduate of Monroe-Woodbury High School and the New Vision program. She is a rising sophomore at Cornell University, majoring in industrial and labor relations with intended minors in business and law and society, and aspires to attend law school and pursue a legal and political career.

She is the secretary-treasurer of the ILR Student Government, a member of the executive board of the Peer Review Board and is involved with several ambassadorial and mentoring programs at Cornell. At home she maintains a column in a local paper, volunteers with the developmentally disabled and is a lifeguard.

“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to participate in the Fulbright Institute this summer,” Bakst said in the press release. “I am looking forward to experiencing the Olympics and learning more about the culture of both England and the multitude of countries that will be there participating in the games. I am also excited to study at King’s College and forge new friendships with my fellow participants and classmates.”

In making these awards the commission looks not only for academic excellence but a focused application, a range of extracurricular and community activities, demonstrated ambassadorial skills, a desire to further the Fulbright Program and a plan to give back to the recipient’s home country upon returning.

Each year, the Commission supports about 50 U.K. and U.S. undergraduate students to undertake demanding academic and cultural summer programmes at leading institutions in each nation. Nearly 300,000 women and men from all over the world have participated in the program.

Fulbright summer programs cover all participant costs.