Juniors Irene “Rena” Avramidis and Sarah Kaminer were selected as this year’s Eve Carson Scholarship recipients.
The two will get a stipend for summer enrichments as well as a scholarship covering half of their attendance costs during senior year.
The scholarship was established in 2008 to commemorate and celebrate the life of former student body president Eve Carson, who was murdered in March 2008.
“What really set them apart was their recognition of the value of each and every individual,” said Matt Fox, executive director of the scholarship, in a news release.
“Both Rena and Sarah are passionate about communities of people who are often marginalized or ignored and not only seek to help these individuals, but spread their love of these groups to everyone they meet.”
Avramidis is a junior from Apex majoring in Spanish and political science and minoring in business administration. Her involvement at UNC has centered on combating human trafficking, and she said her mantra is “fight for a world without slavery.”
She has held leadership positions in the Scholars Latino Initiative, Carolina Against Slavery and Trafficking and Orthodox Christian Fellowship.
During the summer, Avramidis said she hopes to research the relationship between education and both domestic labor and sex trafficking. She then hopes to develop an advocacy-mentoriship program.
“In this moment, I am overwhelmed by the unconditional support of my peers that inspires me to pursue this opportunity to its fullest,” she said.
