The future is bright for Maly Sears, and it all begins in New York City!

Maly Sears, Class of 2018, received AIA and Benjamin Moore national scholarships.

The Adrian High School Class of 2018 has hit the ground running with the beginning of the rest of their lives! From the gravel roads in Blackhawks Country to the busy streets of New York City, 2018 Alum Maly Sears traveled with her mom and Adrian 6th Grade Teacher MaryEllen Sears to the Big Apple for the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Conference on Architecture. Maly was recognized as the recipient of two national scholarships in the field of architecture, which she is pursuing at K-State in Manhattan, KS this fall.

AIA provides scholarships to aspiring, minority architects though the Diversity Advancement Scholarship. Twenty of about 300 applicants were awarded this scholarship. Benjamin Moore is a high end paint company and philanthropic partner of the AIA that provided the top two winners of the Diversity Scholarship with an extra scholarship. In addition, Benjamin Moore gave the two recipients the opportunity to attend the largest conference on architecture in America. Adrian was well-represented at the AIA conference! Congratulations, Maly!

Read on for more about the conference and the touristy stuff...

At the crack of dawn, Maly and MaryEllen boarded a plane at KCI on June 20, 2018. They traveled to New York City and their amazing experience began! For the AIA conference, eight scholars were in attendance along with three moms. Most of the scholarship recipients were 2nd, 3rd, 4th, or 5th year students. Maly and one other girl were the only two incoming freshmen. The scholars were from all over the country - Oakland, Fort Worth, St. Louis, Chicago, Rhode Island, and New York. Maly said the main topics were diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Pictured left: This year's recipients of the Benjamin Moore Architects Foundation Diversity Advancement Scholarship are pictured with last year's recipient. Left to right: Caroline, Maly and Sierra. Pictured right are t

he moms and AIA board members, including MaryEllen (in burgundy and black).

According to MaryEllen, at Hill/West Architects and Whitehall Interiors on Broadway, the group met with board members from AIA and representatives from Benjamin Moore. They had a short meet and greet with them and some of the architects and interior design people who work there. Then they had a sit down presentation by several members of the firm about the work they do, which MaryEllen referred to as "incredible".

MaryEllen said they were very generous with their time, answered lots of the kids questions, and gave everyone a tour of the place. Maly and some of the other scholars also gave a recorded interview. Maly added, "While we were in New York, I was able to connect with architect students and adults who are already in the profession working as architects, business leaders, and interior designers. We attended multiple meet and greets and listened to keynote speakers."

"Rock star seating at Radio City Music Hall for the keynote speaker." -MaryEllen

Both Maly and MaryEllen appreciate this amazing opportunity. Maly said, "I am absolutely blown away by how incredible the AIA Conference is. I have never been more excited to become an architect. Thank you Benjamin Moore for showing me what is out there for my future." MaryEllen shared her gratitude as well. "I want to thank Benjamin Moore and AIA for such a fantastic experience for my daughter and for connections and inspiration that will last her a lifetime. We've had a phenomenal trip."

When the professional work was done for the day, Maly and MaryEllen put their best feet forward and hit the streets of New York City! They toured the 9/11 Memorial, Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge and more. They were thrilled to meet up with a fellow Blackhawk and friend who has taken her successful career all the way to New York - Jordan Reichert! Below are highlights of Maly and MaryEllen's tourist adventures in pictures.