Sam Ferguson at Blythewood High School where he finished his tenth grade year. Photo by Cindy Thompson

Sam Ferguson is filled with anticipation as well as a few mixed emotions. While his former classmates are entering their junior year at Blythewood High School, he will begin his freshman year at Simon's Rock College of Bard in Great Barrington, Mass.

August 21 is the kickoff for incoming freshmen at Simon's Rock, a college of the liberal arts and sciences designed for students who have completed tenth or 11th grade. As the first day of college approaches, Ferguson is diligently wrapping up his Eagle Scout project and he has started packing his bags. Although he's excited about settling into the freshman dormitory, he admits he will miss his parents, Leland and Aline, his younger sister, Amy, and her horse Alphie, and of course "Pup-Pup" the family dog.

Sixteen-year-old Ferguson is at ease knowing that there will be frequent breaks throughout the school year when he can come home to Blythewood and visit with his family. His father professor emeritus at USC, and mother, formerly with the Court of Appeals, have watched proudly as their son has achieved many lofty goals at such a young age.

In ninth grade, Ferguson went on a class field trip to visit Simon's Rock College of Bard. His visit to the college campus made a lasting impression on him. In tenth grade, he began reading through booklets about the college. After talking it over with his parents, he decided to mail in an application. The Fergusons then received word that Sam was selected to receive a two-year scholarship in the amount of $70,000 to attend Simon's Rock College of Bard. He was among only 20 applicants worldwide chosen to receive the allotted scholarship funds. And he will be one of about 150 new freshmen students who will arrive at Simon's Rock in August.

The approach to learning at Simon's Rock, which emphasizes independent thinking, is perhaps the biggest draw for Ferguson. The college courses that most interest him at this time include creative writing, cultural studies, calculus, chemistry, and physics.

He describes himself as a "self-motivated individual." Yet, that's just the tip of the iceberg. During his eighth grade year, Sam achieved a perfect score of 800 on his math PSAT. During his tenth grade year, his SAT math score was again a perfect 800 and his reading score was 790, for a grand total of 1590.

Simon's Rock is located in Great Barrington, Mass., only two and a half hours from Boston and New York City. The college offers two separate degree programs: the associate of arts two-year program and the bachelor of arts four-year program. Students who enroll at Simon's Rock after their tenth or eleventh grade year start out in the Lower College. They may choose to attend the college for two years then transfer to Bard or another college. Or they may complete their B.A. at Simon's Rock Upper College.

"He didn't want to be a younger kid in college," his mother explained. "But he wanted to expand his horizons." Simon's Rock was the perfect fit.

Ferguson is quite excited about moving into his dorm room. "They are small rooms. Long, skinny rooms," he explained. "Two beds, a desk, phone, and refrigerator. We'll also have internet access in the dorm."

His mother added that the washers and driers on campus don't require the use of coins, making it easier for students to keep up with their laundry.

Ferguson also covered the most important freshman topic: the cafeteria! "The dining room has O.K. food, a lot of choices, and ice cream for dinner. They even have vegetarian fare." He added that he didn't really care for vegetarian food though.

Before Ferguson departs for Great Barrington, Mass., he is scheduled to present his Eagle Scout project. His project is to create a three-mile cross country track for Blythewood High School's track team. The track navigates through natural areas and encircles the high school grounds. A lot of groundwork was involved as the track was laid out along the school's perimeter. With the ongoing support of his cross country coach Patrick Kelly, the project is now ready for final review.

"I like variety," Ferguson explained. "You can't get a real feel for things unless you try everything out." He is involved in cross country track, Boy Scouts of America, Spanish Honors Society, band, student government, and a host of recreational activities. He founded the Blythewood Game Club, served as finance coordinator for a Robotics Team, and enjoys a WWII game named Axis and Allies.