A senior from the Highland School of Technology will attend UNC Chapel Hill for free after receiving the prestigious Morehead-Cain Scholarship.

When Wehazit Mussie found out she was the recipient of a prestigious scholarship on February 16, she was in disbelief.

“I was in a meeting when I got the update on my portal. It said I had been selected for the scholarship and I couldn’t believe it,” Mussie said.

“I thought to myself ‘surely that’s a mistake,'” Mussie added.

Mussie was accepted to North Carolina State University and UNC Chapel Hill. She has decided to attend Chapel Hill, which she believes will benefit her in the future.

“I’m fixated on Chapel Hill because I don’t think I’ll get the same scholarship opportunities anywhere else,” Mussie said.

Morehead-Cain Scholars must meet four key criteria: leadership, character, scholarship, and physical vigor.

Once selected, the scholarship funds tuition, housing, meals, tuition, books, and supplies, as well as study abroad and summer enrichment opportunities throughout the four years of the student.

Mussie’s leadership skills were demonstrated in his candidacy. She is the co-captain of the tennis team and is currently the senior class president.

To kick off the start of his journey, Mussie will travel to Oregon in July with his class of 2026 Morehead-Cain Scholars for a nearly month-long excursion. Mussie will participate in rafting and mountaineering in the wilderness of Redmond, Oregon.

“I chose what I thought was the most rewarding experience. I’m excited to get to know my class and spend time with them,” Mussie said.

Mussie plans to major in environmental health sciences and pre-medicine.

“I don’t know what field to specialize in, but I always knew I wanted to be a doctor. Majoring in environmental health sciences will allow me to study all my interests, such as the environment and health care “Mussie said.

However, Mussie is not the only Highland student to have won such a prestigious scholarship.

In 2020, his older brother Urael Eliam Mussie became a recipient of the same scholarship. He is currently studying biomedical engineering and public health at Chapel Hill. He is also a Highland graduate.

Mussie says his parents, Mussie Mebrahtu and Nebiat G-Selassie, were instrumental in his accomplishments.

“I think the two kids who received this scholarship just show the hard work and effort of our parents in our goals. We wouldn’t be where we are now without them,” Mussie said.

Beatriz Guerrero can be reached at 704-869-1828 or on Twitter @BeatrizGue_.