By Elizabeth Clarke, LCU News
PINEVILLE (LCU News ) – Morgan Tradewell, a senior at Buckeye High School in Deville, was awarded the Louisiana Christian University’s Smith Scholarship for 2022.
The annual competition, held Jan. 29 on campus, drew 11 contestants from Louisiana and Texas. Competitors must have at least a 28 ACT score and are further evaluated based on their leadership qualities and Christian character. The winner receives a four-year full tuition, room and board scholarship.
“The Smith Scholarship program represents the Best of the Best at Louisiana Christian University,” LCU President Rick Brewer said. “This year’s competition was extremely competitive including exemplary students from several states. Congratulations to Morgan Tradewell for being selected as this year’s winner.
“At LCU we celebrate the maturity of intellect and the maturity of Christian character,” he continued. “Indeed, the Smith Scholarship recipient is emblematic of this desired outcome.”
Tradewell, a member of Philadelphia Baptist Church, Deville, plans to study biology and added that throughout school she learned of the challenges to equip mentally and physically disabled children with resources needed to succeed because each student’s struggles are unique.
“Because of this, I am called to pursue a career in pediatric occupational therapy, and return to the classroom,” Tradewell said. I hope to make a difference in the lives of students with special needs by helping them with their unique struggles by equipping them to succeed in the classroom.
“I am grateful and honored to be chosen as LCU’s 2022 Smith Scholar,” she continued. “In a world that is rapidly moving away from Christ, as a student, I value the freedom to express my Christian faith and values. While taking a Dual Enrollment composition class in high school, my eyes were opened to the censorship of Biblically-based thought and the discouragement of students to think freely.”
Tradewell chose LCU after attending a preview day in 2020. Brewer shared about the importance of critical thinking among students and how he desired for students to grow in their faith while achieving academic success.
“I cannot wait to become a Wildcat in the fall, and I believe that attending LCU will not only help me achieve my goals academically but will also encourage me to continue growing in my faith and character” Tradewell said.
Philip Robertson, pastor of Philadelphia Baptist, Deville, said he is excited about the path before Tradewell at LCU:
“She has always been an exceptional young lady who loves the Lord and excels in everything she does, whether it’s academics, sports, cheerleading or her Christian walk,” he said. “She is very committed and very driven, and I know God is going to use her in a great way and has great things in store for her.”
Brewer said each of the Smith Scholarship finalists will be part of the University’s C.S. Lewis Honors Program that offers inter-disciplinary courses consistent with themes from Lewis’ work. The other competitors each received significant scholarship awards.
President’s Leadership Scholarships were awarded to:
- Henry Chappell, of Mount Pleasant, Texas
- Samuel Hair, of Sulphur
- Anna Hooker, of Boyce
- Alexis Magee, of Mt. Hermon
- Colton Williams, of Oak Ridge
STEM to STEAM Scholarships were awarded to:
- Kaitlyn Brown, of Deridder
- Emma Burns, of Baytown, Texas
- Benjamin Cusick, of Alexandria
- Laura Miller, of Church Point
- Will Patton, of Bossier City
