Meet our next Eisner Scholar, Hamza K. ‘25!

Hamza, a current senior, has been at Roycemore since 1st grade and has fond memories of his early years as a Griffin. “I just remember Lower School being really fun. I made a lot of good memories with my friends. I remember making a fort in Alexander Park out of sticks and bringing some stuff from home to decorate it. That was my Lower School experience — it was really meaningful and impactful.”

Once he reached Middle School, Hamza embraced Roycemore’s Signature Programming to explore and hone his personal interests. He recalled all four Personal Passion Projects (P3) that he undertook while in Middle School: first, he and a group of friends created their own comic book, followed by a deep dive into Russian culture the next year. In 7th grade, Hamza conducted an exploration of hip dysplasia in dogs after learning his own dog was at risk of developing the condition. During this project, he shadowed a vet and observed him doing procedures. Finally, in 8th grade, he completed a study of homework’s benefits, drawbacks, theories, and alternatives.

“Once I came to Middle School, I just remember having phenomenal teachers who really cared about my education. I remember doing the P3 projects and having the opportunity to explore many of my interests,” said Hamza.

This year, for his final January Short Term (JST) project, Hamza will be laying the foundation for his aspiring career in law enforcement and learning first-hand about the police hiring process. He’ll be shadowing an officer, going on ride-a-longs, putting himself through the steps and tests necessary to become a police officer, and asking many questions.

“After college, I want to go into law enforcement and study psychology so I can have the skills that a lot of officers unfortunately do not have in de-escalation and helping individuals with mental illnesses,” said Hamza. “Hopefully, after becoming a police officer, I’m thinking of going on to the FBI. I’m actually in a Chicago based FBI Explorer’s Program, so that’s definitely my top choice for my career.”

The FBI Chicago Explorer Program is designed to teach students about the FBI and develop life skills such as active listening, leadership, and adaptability in an engaging and approachable curriculum. Student Explorers are mentored by FBI Special Agents, Intelligence Analysts, and Professional Staff where they are introduced to different stages of the investigation process and ultimately run their own mock federal investigation. Hamza was one of 36 students accepted to the program in 2024.

The Eisner Scholarship played a critical role in allowing Hamza to explore his passions through the Roycemore curriculum. “The Eisner Scholarship is really what kind of made my high school experience,” said Hamza. “It took the financial stress off of my family, and I’m just really, really thankful for it. It’s meant a huge deal to me.”

His advice to this year’s Eisner Scholarship applicants and students hoping to join the Roycemore community? “If you have multiple passions, pursue them. It can be all different topics — just get involved. Do after-school programs, and take advantage of all the things Roycemore has to offer, like the JSTs and the P3s. Also, just take advantage of the small community at Roycemore. Make a lot of good friends and talk with your teachers. They’re always happy to talk with you.”

As someone who has spent most of his formative years at Roycemore, Hamza appreciates the intentional smallness of the school community. “I really like how it’s tight-knit but not in an invasive way,” he said. “I’ve been with some of the people in my class since 1st grade, so it feels like they’re almost like family."

Click here to learn more about the Eisner Scholarship and apply today. Area students in 8th or 9th grade are eligible to apply for the 2025-2026 academic year. The application deadline is Monday, December 2, 2024, and recipients will be announced in February 2025.