Tete Narh-Mensah
Scouting has given Tete Narh-Mensah opportunities to make a positive impact in the community while becoming part of a lifelong family.
Now his family will grow to include East Carolina University, where he intends to major in biology through EC Scholars, the most prestigious undergraduate award program offered at ECU. The four-year merit scholarship recognizes outstanding academic performance, commitment to community engagement and strong leadership skills. Recipients receive an Honors College scholarship and a stipend for study abroad for a total value of nearly $64,000.
Narh-Mensah, 17, has been in Boy Scouts since first grade. He earned his Eagle Scout organizing and hosting a blood drive in partnership with the American Red Cross in his hometown of Silver Spring, Maryland.
At ECU, Narh-Mensah looks forward to getting involved in community-based clubs and environmentally conscious organizations.
“Being an EC Scholar means learning with like-minded students who want to improve the world we live in,” he said. “I chose ECU because the school has a reputation of allowing students to take what they have learned in a classroom and apply it to the community.”
In fact, a counselor at his high school recommended ECU because of its influence and focus on post-undergraduate education, he said.
After earning his undergraduate degree, Narh-Mensah plans to attend medical school and pursue a career in hematology to provide care in underserved communities.
His interest in medicine started several years ago. As an 11th-grader, Narh-Mensah participated in a yearlong research project with a University of Maryland doctoral student studying the neurological effects of sleep apnea. Narh-Mensah presented findings to faculty, staff and parents of students in the program aimed at enhancing participation in research.
In another project, Narh-Mensah studied the future impact of genetic editing as a participant in the S2M2 program at Uniformed Services University.
At Wheaton High School, he was an AP Scholar, on the principal’s list and honor roll, and a member of the Black Student Union. Outside the classroom, he was a sprinter on the track team and played lacrosse.
He has been involved in food drives and local elections, and has volunteered at an assisted living facility and as a teacher’s assistant at his church. He also has taught grade-school children about the importance of community and eco-friendly practices as a volunteer with So What Else, a grassroots humanitarian organization.
In addition to his interest in medicine, Narh-Mensah hopes to learn more about sustainable energy while studying abroad in Australia or New Zealand through the EC Scholars program. He also is interested in studying in Africa, where he was born. He moved to the United States when he was 4.
Before coming to campus, Narh-Mensah said he plans to hang out with friends and catch up on well-deserved sleep this summer.
He is the son of Hayford and Margaret Mensah of Silver Spring, Maryland.
“Being an EC Scholar means learning with like-minded students who want to improve the world we live in.”
High school: Wheaton High School
Intended major: Biology
Hometown: Silver Spring, Maryland