Local Law Students Presented with GBA Academic Scholarships

In a triumph of hard work, dedication, and academic excellence, Elon Law students Naisha Mercury and Nathaniel Pool have been selected by the Greensboro Bar Association’s Scholarship Committee as the recipients of the organization’s annual Academic Scholarship.  The GBA Academic Scholarship is intended to financially assist two (2) 2L Elon Law students who demonstrate academic responsibility, a passion for community involvement, and a personal connection to Guilford County.

Scholarship awards not only provide financial support but also serve as a testament to the recipients’ outstanding abilities and potential. By investing in the education of promising law students, these scholarships play a vital role in fostering the next generation of legal professionals.

Prior to enrolling at Elon Law, Naisha Mercury earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Service Management from East Carolina University. At ECU is where her fascination with the intersection of law and healthcare began to flourish. Through her studies, she became acutely aware of the systematic inequities in healthcare access that disproportionately affect specific demographic groups based on economic status, race, and age. 

Currently, Naisha is a resident at the O’Neill Institute for National & Global Health Law, where her focus revolves around pioneering initiatives and conducting research dedicated to reproductive health. Her experience has provided her with a platform to translate this passion into meaningful action, and she expresses that she is eager to continue making a difference in this vital arena.

Nathaniel Pool, originally from Fairmont, West Virginia, earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology, with a minor in Forensics from West Virginia University. Prior to enrolling at Elon Law, he worked with the West Virginia University Police Department and contributed to the community as a social worker at the National Youth Advocate Program, where he concentrated on juvenile delinquency issues.

At Elon Law, Nathan has demonstrated a keen interest in criminal defense, alongside a broader engagement with civil litigation matters. He holds leadership positions in student organizations, serving as co-president of the Criminal Law Society and as vice president of case managers for the Innocence Project. His work last summer with the North Carolina Innocence Inquiry Commission allowed him to gain invaluable experience in post-conviction processes. Nathan plans to continue expanding his expertise this upcoming summer at Legal Aid of North Carolina.

Please join us in congratulating these exceptional students and wishing them continued success in their academic and professional endeavors!