Stories

For the second year in a row, a Charlotte Prep lifer has earned the prestigious Morehead-Cain Scholarship. Meha Khanna ('21), a Prep alum who attended Providence Day School for high school, joins Cassie Miller ('20), who received the same honor last year.

The Morehead-Cain Scholarship is the oldest merit scholarship in the nation and one of the most competitive. Recipients receive full tuition, housing, meals, and access to leadership programs, internships, and global travel. Meha, who plans to take a gap year before attending UNC-Chapel Hill, is particularly excited about the travel opportunities the scholarship offers.

“I’m looking forward to exploring new parts of the world and connecting with amazing people. I’ve always admired Morehead’s commitment to leadership driven by passion, and I’m excited to join a community that values authenticity and character.”

The path to the Morehead-Cain is rigorous. Meha began by securing a nomination from her school, then completed a detailed written application, virtual interviews, and an intensive finalist weekend at UNC. 

“The finalist weekend was the most fun part of the process, despite the panel interviews and other assessments. We spent several days at the Carolina Inn, trying out classes and getting to know each other to build a sense of community.”

Meha credits much of her success to the foundation she built at Charlotte Prep, where she learned the fundamentals of writing applications, interviewing, and taking on leadership roles.

“Prep taught me how to be a proactive leader. That mindset helped me put my ideas into action in high school, which led me here. I wouldn’t have gotten through the application process without that foundation.”

Cassie Miller, a recipient of the Morehead-Cain Scholarship last year, offered advice and encouragement to Meha as she prepares for her own journey. Cassie’s gap year has been filled with unforgettable experiences, including backpacking through Europe and North Africa, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, and volunteering with refugees in Greece.

“The Morehead-Cain has taught me to say yes to new opportunities, even when I’m scared. I’m excited for Meha—she’s joining an incredible community, and I know she’ll make the most of every opportunity coming her way.”

Both Meha and Cassie attribute much of their success to the leadership, service, and character-building environment at Charlotte Prep. Our emphasis on developing strong leaders has shaped their journeys and set them up for continued success.

“At Prep, we both developed a strong sense of agency and care,” Cassie said. “Those qualities carried us into leadership roles at Providence Day School and now into the Morehead-Cain program.”

Learn more about how Charlotte Prep prepares students for high school and beyond