- Alexandra Frazier (2nd from left), who will be graduating from Bellevue High School on Saturday, June 1, was officially presented The Bellevue Hospital’s Millennium Scholarship during the high school’s Red & White Honors Assembly on Thursday, May 16.
Some high school graduates receive scholarships for academics. Others might get a full-ride to college for athletics. For one Bellevue High School senior, her scholarship was given to her because she was born at the right time and place.
Alexandra Frazier, who will be graduating from Bellevue High School on Saturday, June 1, was officially presented The Bellevue Hospital’s Millennium Scholarship during the high school’s Red & White Honors Assembly on Thursday, May 16.
“Alexandra received this scholarship simply for being born,” said Dennis Sabo, director of The Bellevue Hospital (TBH) Foundation, during the assembly. “This scholarship is a once-in-lifetime experience.”
The Millennium Scholarship was initially awarded on Feb. 17, 2001 as part of the “Class of 2018” millennium celebration to recognize the 401 babies born in The Bellevue Hospital’s Family Birthing Center during the year 2000.
On that day, all babies born in The Bellevue Hospital during the year 2000 and their families were invited to the Bellevue High School gymnasium for cake, refreshments and a chance to win door prizes including the ultimate grand prize—four years of college tuition.
Since she was born at the hospital on Oct. 7, 2000, Alexandra (Alex) attended the event with her mom, Malissa, and with 400 to 1 odds she was chosen as the grand-prize winner.
Although 19-week-old Alexandra was sleeping at the time and not aware of the magnitude of the prize, her mom remembers the shock of hearing her daughter’s name called.
“Just before the grand-prize drawing, I remember packing up my stuff and thinking to myself that I would congratulate the winner before leaving the gym,” Malissa Frazier said. “And then they called Alex’s name. It was a little surreal. “
In that same gym, 18 years later, Alex accepted her grand prize in front of all BHS students. Her parents, Mark and Malissa Frazier, were also in the audience.
As part of the grand prize, 400 credits were awarded to Alex in 2001 through a College Advantage 529 Savings program. Now, this scholarship is equivalent to four years of college tuition and currently estimated at more than $42,000.
“I am very proud of Alex. She has worked really hard this year and it was gratifying to see her accept this scholarship in front of her peers, ” her mom said. “It’s great to know that Alex has this scholarship available to her.”
The Fraziers also have a daughter, Victoria, 21, who will be pursuing her Master’s degree in the fall. Malissa added with both daughters in college that this scholarship will be a great help financially.
In high school, Alex plays percussion in band and was second chair in the Honors Band this year. She also is a world history buff. The soon-to-be graduate plans to attend Cleveland State University this fall.
“The Bellevue Hospital is excited that we were able to provide this unique scholarship to Alex,” said Michael Winthrop, TBH President and CEO. “On behalf of our hospital, we wish her the best in her future successes at Cleveland State University.“