Ana Burroughs, a student from Bowdoinham, has been selected as one of the recipients of the prestigious Davis Scholarship to continue her high school education at UWC Robert Bosch College, an international UWC campus in Freiburg, Germany. Her outstanding achievements and dedication have earned her this merit-based scholarship. She is the daughter of Elizabeth Burroughs.

Ana Burroughs Submitted photo

UWC is a global network of 18 international high schools that brings together students aged 16 to 19 from diverse backgrounds and cultures, fostering understanding and promoting peace and sustainability. UWC Robert Bosch College provides a unique educational experience, offering the International Baccalaureate program, which is widely recognized as the premier secondary school diploma worldwide, according to a news release from Carl-Martin Nelson, director of Communications at the college.

Burroughs’ passion for global perspectives and learning environments enriched by students from diverse backgrounds stemmed from her experience studying abroad in Johannesburg, South Africa, during her junior year. This eye-opening experience motivated her to seek further opportunities to exchange ideas and perspectives with peers from around the world. She found joy in connecting with individuals who had grown up in vastly different circumstances and values the valuable lessons she learned from their varied viewpoints.

She actively promotes the UWC mission of peace and sustainability through her involvement with MYCA (Maine Youth Climate Action), a youth-led climate action group in Maine. MYCA empowers young adults across the state to collaborate and fight for a sustainable future through initiatives such as organizing protests and advocating for environmental policies.

Over the past few years, Burroughs has been engaged in community service activities, focusing on promoting sustainability and fundraising for the community. She has dedicated her time and effort to MYA, Maine Youth Action Climate, as well as other local initiatives.

Academically, she excels in her favorite classes, English and Math, and maintains an honors student status. Her commitment to her studies has earned her recognition and the admiration of her peers and teachers.

Through an extracurricular activity centered on civil discourse, Burroughs gained a valuable lesson about finding common ground and understanding others’ perspectives. Engaging in thoughtful conversations with students from opposite sides of the political spectrum, she discovered the shared experiences and values that united them, despite their differing opinions.

One of her role models is David Vaughn, her science teacher in grade 9. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic and the need to adapt to online and in-person classes, Vaughn exhibited unwavering dedication and enthusiasm for his work. His resilience and kindness have inspired Ana to strive for excellence and make a positive impact in her own future endeavors.

Looking ahead, Burroughs plans to pursue a career in law and advocate for a more equitable future for both humans and the planet. She aspires to contribute to shaping policies that prioritize the well-being of all individuals and ensure a sustainable world for future generations.

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