The St. Andrew’s Foundation of The Eastern Shore is proud to announce Kent Island High School sophomore Greta Holyer as the first-ever recipient of its new summer study abroad scholarship program. Greta will spend three weeks this coming summer at the historic University of St. Andrews in Scotland.
For Greta, the opportunity feels nothing short of meant-to-be. Her parents, Miranda and John Holyer, met as students in Cambridge, England, where they formed a lifelong appreciation for international study. Encouraged by their experience, Greta began exploring overseas universities this year—ultimately narrowing her interest to two Scottish institutions: the University of Edinburgh and St. Andrews.
That interest took a pivotal turn when Greta’s school guidance counselor informed her of a new scholarship funded by the St. Andrew’s Foundation. Competing with more than 30 applicants from 10 Eastern Shore schools, Greta emerged as the standout choice.
“This trip gives her the chance to ‘test drive’ St. Andrews before deciding on a four-year commitment,” said her father, John. “It’s hard to jump into a program abroad if you’ve never been once. This will be a great chance to figure it out.”
A straight-A student with a full slate of extracurriculars, Greta also volunteers at a private wildlife sanctuary on Kent Island. Her hands-on work with animals—and her experience caring for two ill cats at home—sparked a deep interest in veterinary medicine and animal behavior. With Edinburgh offering veterinary studies and St. Andrews offering animal behavior, both schools remain strong contenders for her future.
During her summer session, Greta will study alongside students from across the globe. She sees this cultural immersion as one of the most exciting parts of the experience. “It will help me learn and understand those different cultures a lot better than I would in the U.S.,” she said.
The St. Andrew’s Foundation of the Eastern Shore was established to expand educational and cultural opportunities for area students through annual scholarships. Foundation Chair Donna Cantor praised the depth of talent among the applicants.
“It was a tough call,” Cantor said. “But Greta was an obvious standout. We are thrilled that she’ll be leading the way for future scholars to come.”
About the St. Andrew’s Foundation of the Eastern Shore
Based in Easton, Maryland, the St. Andrew’s Foundation is dedicated to fostering educational and cultural opportunities that celebrate and preserve Scottish heritage. Through scholarships and community support, the Foundation helps students pursue studies in the arts, humanities, and international exchange programs. The St.. Andrew’s Foundation is a 501(C)(3) tax exempt organization, and is the charitable arm of the St. Andrew’s Society of the Eastern Shore. Tax deductible donations to the scholarship fund can be made at SASES.net
