Cally's heading to Harvard

A west Fife girl is one of only three young Scots to win a prestigious seven-week scholarship to Harvard.

By Leeza Clark
Published in the Courier : 23.06.11
Published online : 23.06.11 @ 12.56pm

Torryburn teenager Cally McKenzie, who has been helped by Aberlour fostering service, will embark on the experience of a lifetime when she walks in the footsteps of American presidents and world business leaders thanks to Aberlour Fostering, the Spark Of Genius Trust and Who Cares? Scotland.

The 17-year-old, who lives with her foster mother and father, will leave this weekend for Harvard summer school.

When her mother's health condition deteriorated, she was unable to look after the youngster. And so Cally — one of 6000 children helped by Aberlour each year — was looked after away from home as a young child.

Cally, who will study psychology and creative writing at the Massachusetts Ivy League school, said, "Harvard will give me the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life and enable me to broaden my horizons socially, academically and culturally."

She will be joined for the course by Dean Roger (16) from Greenock, who has attended Spark Of Genius, and Mandy Clarke from Musselburgh, who was supported by East Lothian Council. The trio will be among 1300 students attending from all over the world.

They will live in halls of residence and be mentored by Harvard undergraduates as part of the scholarships which are awarded by competitive selection.

Having also had to satisfy Harvard's demanding selection procedures, the three teenagers have also each raised £500 to contribute to their living costs.

Aberlour service manager Nicola Fearon said, "We are so proud of Cally. This proves that young people in care can be supported to successfully achieve their dreams, hopes and ambitions."

She added that there is a national shortage of families able to offer substitute care, so Aberlour is running a campaign to attract more foster carers.

Ms Fearon said, "Fostering is an enriching experience involving the whole family."

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