Each summer, The Lawrenceville School hosts an academic program called New Jersey Scholars Program (NJSP).  NJSP is a five-week residential program attended by 39 of the most intelligent New Jersey students who are entering their senior year of high school. Over the course of the program, the Scholars will discuss immigration and whether it’s a “Demographic Disaster or Cultural Recreator.” Moorestown Friends School junior Ciani Green has recently been accepted to the program and will have the opportunity to attend NJSP this summer.

The program runs from June 23 to July 26, but the application process began months ago. Green recalls: “It was a pretty intense process. I had to write four one-page essays on academics, activities, interest and goals, and the world’s most important problem along with filling out applications and getting a teacher recommendation, which I got from Mr. Hammer. To make this worse, I had to complete it all over Christmas break.”

Green continued to have doubts about her acceptance into NJSP after she found out in March that she was a semifinalist, saying that “the reality that [she] might not have a summer was upsetting.” However, after taking a trip to The Lawrenceville School for her required group interview, Green found herself in an environment in which she enjoyed discussing popular topics in politics, assuring her that attending NJSP was an amazing opportunity from which she would benefit greatly.

Upon finding out in April that she is one of 39 finalists, Green is more excited than ever. “I can’t wait to further discuss topics like these with prestigious college professors from throughout the country,” she said.