The JFK Hyannis Museum awarded Falmouth High School senior Sebastian Verslycke with a $2500 scholarship based on his academic achievement and essay relating to a quote by President John F. Kennedy :  “As they say on my own Cape Cod, a rising tide lifts all the boats.”   Sebastian is headed to Harvard University this fall.

2026 Scholarship Awarded to Sebastian Verslycke
by Paul Hart Miller, JFK Hyannis Museum Board Chair.

Sebastian Verslycke’s Essay

“As they say on my own Cape Cod, a rising tide lifts all the boats.” – John F. Kennedy

I believe the essence of President Kennedy’s words reflects the mission that first drew me to United World College: real change requires shared benefit, not gain for only a few. His quote underscores the role of equity in a community’s success, which I believe is best sustained through openness. Throughout high school, I have seen our community strengthen when we commit to openness: listening, learning, and creating space for others. It is this willingness to learn across differences that allows communities not only to function, but to truly thrive.

I first began to understand this at Falmouth High School, where I spent three years tutoring in the English Language Development classroom. I joined to support immigrant students in mathematics and science; however, I soon realized that I benefited as much as I gave. Through conversations about their lives and journeys, I gained perspective on resilience and the courage required to build a new life in an unfamiliar place. Openness strengthened our school community, bridging gaps between students from different backgrounds.

At United World College Maastricht, this lesson took on a global dimension. As my residential floor’s representative, I supported 24 students from 24 countries. Listening to their perspectives, mediating conflicts, and representing them at weekly school council meetings showed me the positive environment we could create together. Our community thrived through openness, connecting across differences through shared values of global action and sustainability.

These experiences shaped my understanding of leadership as service. As I return to the United States for university, I aim to carry UWC’s values and Kennedy’s wisdom with me: to continue listening and learning, and to work alongside others to turn shared goals into meaningful impact. In a time of increasing polarization, I believe this commitment to openness is essential to sustaining strong, inclusive communities.