Krieger Leadership Scholars know inherently that the best version of themselves cannot be found in a predetermined mold. This ambition, curiosity, and desire for self-exploration make up the heart of the Christ School experience, along with demonstrated excellence in the classroom and civic responsibility.
Now in its third year, the KLS program has proven successful in identifying young men who are worthy new members of the Long Green Line. We proudly announce that this year’s scholarship winners are incoming freshmen William “BJ” Houston '29 from Sherrills Ford, N.C., and Danny Samayoa '29 from Plainfield, N.J.
“To be a recipient means to me that my hard work has paid off, and that people see something in me and that they trust and value me. I plan on doing great things at Christ School,” BJ said.
“To me, being a Krieger Leadership Scholar recipient is an honor,” Danny said. “It’s a very rare opportunity that was gifted to me that I am very grateful for.”
Six finalists interviewed with the KLS selection committee on campus Feb. 28, following a keynote address that morning in St. Joseph’s Chapel by former Sacristan and Duke University graduate Connor Booher ’20. Connor now works as a financial analyst on Wall Street.
BJ and Danny displayed the innate characteristics and confidence to be a KLS Scholar in the interview process. Their program included a conversation with current KLS Scholars Martin Cox ’28 and Kiran Kudva ’27, as well as the charter class of Jack Greganti ’27 and Wait McCormick ’26.
Danny said he was intrigued after learning about Christ School and the KLS opportunity through the SEEDS Scholars Program in his home state of New Jersey. BJ was drawn to school by what he said were many like-minded boys.
“I feel that at Christ School I can be challenged and will learn and grow in so many ways that will prepare me beyond academics, but in life,” BJ said.
The KLS program was founded in 2023 and is an endowed merit scholarship named for former Headmaster, Paul Krieger P’09, P’12, and Beth Krieger P’09 P’12, who led the school through a 21-year period of unprecedented prosperity and growth before retiring in 2021. One full domestic boarding scholarship and one partial boarding scholarship will be awarded each year to new applicants entering the 8th, 9th, or 10th grade. KLS Scholars retain their scholarship throughout their time at Christ School.
For more information regarding the KLS program, please contact the Admission Office at admission@christschool.org or 828-684-6232 (ext. 106).