By Staff, Baptist Message
PINEVILLE – Bossier City senior Makayla Anderson won Louisiana College’s prestigious Smith Scholarship Competition Jan. 30.
The Parkway High senior excelled in the competition, winning over 13 other invitees a scholarship that covers every expense at LC, including tuition, fees, books, residence and meals. All others received LC’s next highest scholarship offer for entering the competition.
Anderson, who plans on studying biology, said she was shocked when she heard her name called by LC President Rick Brewer.
“Honestly it’s so unreal to even be considered,” said Anderson, who plans on becoming an oncologist. “So to be actually presented with the award is such an honor and an accomplishment I’ll cherish forever. It’s such a blessing and shock is mainly my emotion right now.”
The competition has been dominated by home-schoolers who have won five out of the last eight years.
“Whether from public, private or homeschool, the Smith Scholarship award draws the best and brightest students from our region to Louisiana College,” Brewer said. “Every applicant was worthy considering the criteria to win, and we are grateful for their interest in Louisiana College.”
During the actual competition, two professorial panels interviewed the contestants regarding their academic ability, leadership qualities, as well as their Christian faith.
The Smith Scholarship began in the 1970s after an endowment donation from Tom and Beverly Dunham to honor Beverly’s mother, Elizabeth Smith. To be invited to compete, a student must have applied for admission to LC and scored a 28 or better on the ACT.
