Leila Probasco ’26
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A GIFT FROM THE PAST
Leila Probasco ’26, the recipient of the Eli Thompson Fryer 1896 Scholarship fund, walked into the Alumni and Development Office at the start of her freshman year and asked how she could thank her scholarship donor for their support. What she did not realize was that it was established by Eli’s widow, Mary M. Henderson Fryer, and left to Peddie in her will. Fryer’s husband, General Eli Thompson Fryer, graduated from
Peddie in 1896.
As a daughter of Peddie alumni from the class of 1992, Probasco had not often thought of students such as Eli Thompson Fryer, who walked the campus before her parents. “He graduated so long ago, and he’s still giving back to the community!” she said.
Probasco learned that endowed funds support the school’s needs and honor the donor’s wishes, and the donor’s name lives on forever in the lives of students who benefit from their generosity. It was at that moment that Probasco realized the responsibility of receiving this honor and that her experience for the next four years would be a part of something bigger than just herself.
“When I first received the scholarship notification, I wanted to thank them. It was so nice of them. I was so excited! I still have the email starred in my inbox and look to it for motivation sometimes,” Probasco said after her first year at Peddie.
In her first year, Probasco took French for the first time and loved it. She’s a member of the Terrapin Club, Marine Club, and Botany/Gardening Club. She played JV soccer and varsity softball. Best of all, she said she’s been a member of an amazing community. “I feel like Peddie cares. They make sure you’re alright,” she said. Probasco is looking forward to continuing to pursue her interest in biology and French in addition to all the electives that will be available to her in her sophomore year. And she plans to try fencing next year, which will be offered for the first time as a physical activity. Her future is bright.
Financial assistance comes from more than 55 endowed fund scholarships plus the general endowment for financial assistance and the Annenberg Fund. The Eli Thompson Fryer 1896 Scholarship fund, much like other scholarship funds, is specifically designed to honor and support individuals who will infuse our student body with intellectual curiosity, strength of character, and infectious excitement for life. Students like Probasco.
The Eli Thompson Fryer 1896 Scholarship fund has honored more than a dozen students since it was established in 1980. Eli and Mary would be very pleased to know how their gift has supported, and will continue to support, so many amazing, incredibly grateful Peddie students.
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