*Luke also serves as News Editor the The Bulldawg Bulletin

Haddonfield Memorial High School junior Luke Patterson has been named a recipient of the highly competitive Coolidge Scholarship, a full-ride merit scholarship awarded by the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation.

The scholarship covers tuition, room, board, and other expenses at any accredited college or university in the United States. Created to honor the legacy of President Calvin Coolidge, the program encourages high school students to study Coolidge’s life, values, and contributions to American government.

Patterson first learned about the scholarship in an unexpected way. While riding a bus to a track meet last year, he noticed a teammate reading the autobiography of Calvin Coolidge. Curious, he asked about the book and was introduced to the scholarship. Later, the HMHS counseling office shared information about the opportunity, prompting him to apply.

“I thought it sounded incredible,” Patterson said.

As part of the application process, Patterson researched Coolidge’s life, read his autobiography, and completed several essays. He found the experience both educational and enjoyable.

“I actually found doing the essays, reading his autobiography, and doing the research really interesting,” he said.

Although Patterson has not yet decided which college he will attend, he said the scholarship provides opportunities that might not otherwise be possible. Beyond financial support, the award also connects recipients with a network of scholars and educational programs.

One aspect of the scholarship Patterson has especially appreciated is the community. He has already met the other four scholars selected this year during the final interview process in Vermont.

“They’re all really great, and I’m excited to spend more time with them,” he said.

The selection process included a weekend interview in Vermont. While Patterson could not share all of the details, he described the experience as welcoming and rewarding.

“I came into it stressed out, obviously,” he said. “But honestly, it was a really enjoyable experience all around.”

Patterson found out  he had won the scholarship during a Zoom call arranged by the foundation’s president during the school day. Taking the call from a storage room during lunch at school, he was shocked when he received the news.

“I was just so thankful,” he said.

When asked what qualities may have helped him earn the award, Patterson encouraged other students not to underestimate themselves.

“When I was applying, I looked at all the people who had gotten it before and their incredible accomplishments,” he said. “I didn’t know if I measured up, but I applied anyway.”

He believes the scholarship seeks students who are thoughtful, humble, and willing to engage with important questions about society and public policy.

Patterson also gained valuable lessons from studying Coolidge. He was especially inspired by the president’s humility, civility, and commitment to education.

“He treated people with respect,” Patterson said. “And he really valued education. Education shaped who he became and paved the way for the rest of his life.”

This summer, Patterson will travel to Vermont for scholarship events where he will meet scholars from previous years and continue building connections within the Coolidge community.

For students considering applying in the future, Patterson’s advice is simple: don’t be intimidated.

“If you’re willing to think thoughtfully about big questions and stay humble, that’s really what they look for,” he said.