New University of Mississippi freshmen who have been awarded top scholarships in the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College include (front, l-r) Mary Moses Hitt, Elizabeth Moore, Aleah Liddell, Meghan Wagner, Laura Cline and Kelsey Pettus; (middle row, l-r) Logan Wilson, Osasu Adah, Madeline Ott, Maia Cotelo, Elizabeth Wicks, William Foley and Mary Elizabeth Kakales; and (back, l-r) Forrest Gamble, Trevor Smith, Hannah Arrington, Shawn-Wesley Skinner, John Yi and Silas Beebe. Not present for the photo were Darby Raybourn, Michael Gratzer and Finn Udall.
OXFORD, Miss. – With proven leadership and academic potential, 22 extraordinary high school graduates have chosen the University of Mississippi to continue their quest to become the best that they can be.
As members of the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College, the freshmen have been awarded $32,000 scholarships, including the McDonnell Barksdale Honors Scholarship, Doris Raymond Scholarship, Harold M. Parker Memorial Scholarship and the Everett-Williams Honors Scholarship.
The cohort comprises 14 students from Mississippi, three from Tennessee and one each from Alabama, Idaho, Louisiana, Missouri and Beijing, China. Seven were ranked No. 1 in their graduating classes, with six others finishing in the top five. Four are National Merit Finalists, one is a National Achievement Finalist and four are National Merit Commended Scholars.
“What a great group of students who aspire to become citizen scholars,” Honors College Dean Douglass Sullivan-González said. “We are super-impressed with this record-breaking class of 2016; they have brought real energy and drive to probe the fundamental questions that confront us all. We can’t wait to see fruits of their labor in the next four years.”Established in 1997 through a gift from alumni Jim and Sally Barksdale, the college provides undergraduate students from all disciplines with a vibrant center of academic excellence, merging intellectual rigor with public service, to help them become outstanding in their fields and engaged citizens of society.
During their freshman year, the students enroll in the Honors College interdisciplinary courses, which expose them to critical thinking in the arts, sciences and humanities. They also enroll in honors sections of courses across disciplines to fulfill hours in their majors or to meet general academic requirements. As early as their freshman year, students have the opportunity to do research, which produces an honor’s thesis in the student’s senior year.
Like most of the scholars, Aleah Rojerica Liddell of Madison expressed surprise and gratitude on being chosen for the McDonnell Barksdale Scholarship.
“It is such an honor, and I am grateful,” said Liddell, a National Achievement Finalist. “I never would have thought I would be one of the few chosen students to receive it. This scholarship has given me a reason to push myself even harder to achieve my goals. I am delighted to know that the university sees my ambition and believes in my ability to succeed.”
Shawn-Wesley Skinner of Mandeville, La., said he “felt incredibly honored and humbled” to receive the Raymond Scholarship.
“Realizing that I had been selected out of a pool of outstanding applicants showed that the Honors College had placed its utmost trust in me … not only to fulfill my personal academic dreams but also to positively supplement the university,” said Skinner, a National Merit Finalist.
Kelsey Pettus of Jackson said receiving the McDonnell Barksdale Scholarship “is proof of what many years of hard work and determination can bring.”
“I am so honored to have received one of the university’s top scholarships. It is satisfying to know that working hard to achieve your goals can bring much reward in the end. I am encouraged to continue striving toward new goals and succeeding at the university,” said Pettus, who served two governor’s appointments on the Mississippi Commission for Volunteer Service.
Other recipients of the McDonnell Barksdale Scholarship are Osasu Noel Adah of Clinton, Hannah Arrington of Madison, Silas Grant Beebe of Madison, Maia Cotelo of Oxford, William Patrick Foley of Petal, Mary Moses Hitt of Yazoo City, Elizabeth Marie Moore of Pass Christian, Darby O’geil Raybourn of Long Beach, Trevor Moore Smith of Corinth, Meghan Elise Wagner of Grenada and Elizabeth Eustice Wicks of Ocean Springs.
Besides Skinner, other recipients of the Raymond Scholarship are Laura Marie Cline of St. Louis, Forrest Nolan Gamble of Birmingham, Ala., Michael Charles Gratzer of Collierville, Tenn., Mary Elizabeth Kakales of Memphis and Finn Waterstreet Udall of Boise, Idaho.
Harold M. Parker Scholarships were awarded to Madeline Claire Ott of Collierville, Tenn., and John N. Yi of Beijing, China. Logan Armond Wilson of Hattiesburg received the Everett-Williams Scholarship, being awarded this year for the first time.
Adah graduated fourth in her class of 314 at Clinton High School, where she was chosen for the Hall of Fame. She was a member of the Math and Science Team and the school band. She was involved in the International Economic Summit and served as an officer in the National Junior Honor Society and Biology Club. She volunteered as a math and algebra tutor. She is interested is studying engineering and doing scientific research, in preparation for medical school.
Arrington graduated from Saint Andrews Episcopal School, where she was on the High Honor Roll and member of the National Honor Society. She received the Gold National French Exam Award, placing first in Mississippi and 21st in the nation, and the Silver National Exam Award in both French and Spanish. An officer in the Spanish, Italian and French clubs, she was named Best Representative of the Model United Nations. She was a volunteer for special needs and underprivileged kids’ organizations. She plans to study international relations, Spanish and French, preparing to fulfill her dream of being an American ambassador.
Beebe, a National Merit Finalist, graduated from Saint Joseph Catholic School. Captain of the Speech and Debate Team, he qualified for National Forensic League and Catholic Forensic League competitions. He received the Stennis Center Award for Excellence in Lincoln-Douglas Debate. He was a National Forensic League district student senator and Academic All-American. He was a three-time officer on the Student Council and editor of online publications in journalism. His community service includes work with nursing home residents and Mission Mississippi. He wants to study public policy leadership and psychology, then attend law school.
Cline was valedictorian of her class at Rosati-Kain High School in St. Louis. She was an officer in the National Honor Society and on the Student Council. She received the Distinguished Achievement Award, First Honors, and Academic and Alumnae scholarships. She was a member of the Spanish Honor Society and Science/Environmental Club. Her volunteer efforts included work at Our Lady’s Inn emergency shelter and Habitat for Humanity. She plans to major in biology in preparation for medical school.
Cotelo, a National Merit Finalist, graduated No. 3 in her class of 175 at Oxford High School. She received the Edwin Moak Award and was named Student of the Year in French III, concert choir and geography. She won first place in the Regional Science Fair. She was an officer on the Student Council, president of the Anchor and Key clubs, and co-president of the OHS Chorus. Her volunteer efforts included work with the Humane Society, UNICEF, recycling and tutoring. She is interested in studying international studies, public policy leadership and engineering.
Foley, a National Merit Commended Scholar, graduated first in his class of 263 at Petal High School. He received Academic Excellence in AP European history, AP world history, English II, biology and Mississippi studies. He made a perfect score on the state exam in both English II and U.S. history. He was president of the PHS Student Body and Petal City Youth Council, and an officer in the Junior States of America and National Honor Society. He volunteered at the YMCA and for Relay for Life. He is interested in studying economics and political science, and maybe becoming a college professor.
Gamble, a National Merit Finalist, graduated second in his class of 428 at Vestavia Hills High School in Birmingham. He won first place in the LSU Math Tournament, was an AP Honors Scholar and named the Most Outstanding Student in AP English and world history. He was president of the Spanish Honor Society and the National Honor Society. Named HP Scholastic Junior All-American in golf, he will be a member of the Ole Miss golf team. He plans to study biology, Spanish and physics in preparation for medical school.
Gratzer graduated from Collierville High School, where he was named to the Hall of Fame and received the Ray Burk Spirit Award. He won the National AP Scholar Award and the Outstanding Award for AP English. He was president of the Spanish I and II clubs and vice president of the National Honor Society. He served as captain of the CHS WordSmith Team and editor-in-chief of the Dragon Spirit newspaper. His did volunteer work with Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure and Race for Education. He is interested in studying geological, mechanical and environmental engineering and devoting his career to environmental sustainability.
Hitt ranked No. 1 in her class of 30 at Manchester Academy, where she was Student Body president. She made the Headmaster’s List all 12 years at MA. She was president of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and captain of the Quiz Bowl Team, and she was named the DAR Good Citizen of Yazoo County. She volunteered for Yazoo Humanitarian Recovery, Have a Heart/Lend a Hand, and Boys and Girls Club. She plans to study biochemistry and attend medical school.
Kakales was salutatorian of her 55-member class at Hutchison School in Memphis. She was an AP Scholar with Distinction and winner of the Dartmouth Book Award and Physics Award. She was president of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Wilson Society and vice president of the Honor Council. She was a leader of the Middle School Ambassador Program. She has been on mission trips to Peru and was a volunteer for Hope House and as a tutor for the Refugee Empowerment Program. She plans to study public policy leadership and pre-med.
Liddell graduated from the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science. She was listed on the Honor Roll (3.86+ GPA) all four years of high school. She was her school’s ambassador and editor-in-chief of the MSMS student newspaper. She belonged to the NAACP and the National Honor Society, and served on the Quiz Bowl. She volunteered for the mentorship program at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Columbus, packed items for Operation Ukraine and helped with Christmas Clothing Give-a-way. She plans to study biological science and pre-med and attend medical school to become a pediatrician.
Moore graduated second in her class of 135 at Pass Christian High School. A National Merit Commended Scholar, she was state champion in “We the People” competition. Listed on the Superintendent’s Honor Roll throughout high school, she was president of the Student Council and an officer in the National Honor Society, French Honor Society and Beta Club. She was a representative for both Girls State and Pass Christian Youth Leadership. She volunteered at a local nursing home and in Red Cross blood drives and Relay for Life. She is interested in studying math, science and history.
Ott, a National Merit Commended Scholar, graduated from Collierville High School. A member of the ACT 30+ Club, she scored the highest average in AP Chemistry at CHS and was French III Honors Outstanding Student. A state and regional winner in choir and vocal competition, she was president of the CHS Chamber Choir and Books R Us Club. She volunteered for mission trips and tutoring. Her main academic interests are chemistry, biology and foreign languages. She plans to attend pharmacy school.
Pettus graduated No. 1 in her 83-member class at Jackson Academy, where she received the school’s Community Service Award, Presidential Award for Academic Excellence and American Legion Citizenship Award. She was appointed youth commissioner on the governor’s Mississippi Commission for Volunteer Service and as chair of that organization’s Initiative on Volunteer Excellence 2012 GIVE Awards. She was featured in Jackson’s Portico Magazine as one of “25 Students Who Will Change the World” and was chosen as the 2012 Distinguished Young Woman of Hinds County. She received the Glen Cain Scholarship and was chosen Miss Jackson Academy. She was a volunteer for Boys and Girls Club, Girl Scouts and United Way. She plans to major in biology or chemistry and attend medical school.
Raybourn graduated first in her class of 311 at Gulfport High School. She received the Schoen Heier Award for Outstanding Character and Citizenship, and was the German Cultural Exchange Ambassador. An officer in the Key Club and National Honor Society, she was chosen for Girls State and for UM’s Trent Lott Summer Institute. Her volunteer service included mission trips, and work with the Salvation Army and SADD. She plans to study biology in preparation for medical school.
Skinner graduated fifth in his class of 168 at Saint Paul’s School in Covington, La. He received the Golden Torch Award, Superior Academic Award, Order of St. LaSalle Award, Daren Boudreaux Scholarship Award and the Williams College New Orleans Alumni Book Award. He placed first in advanced math at the State Literary Rally and in calculus at the Mu Alpha Theta Convention. He was vice president of the SPS Student Council and of the Louisiana Association of Student Councils District. He volunteered for mission trips and tutoring and for the Food Bank. He is interested in studying engineering with a manufacturing/business emphasis and Mandarin Chinese.
Smith ranked No. 1 in his high school class of 109 at Alcorn Central High School. He was chosen for the Hall of Fame and voted Most Likely to Succeed. He won 10 subject awards during high school and was chosen for UM’s APEX Leadership Summit, Rotary Youth Leadership Academy and as the youth representative for Region IV Alcohol Prevention Committee. He was the ACHS yearbook editor, three-time class president and president of the Beta Club, FBLA and Mu Alpha Theta. He was a volunteer for Rotary Club, Lighthouse Foundation and little league sports. He is interested in studying mathematics and biochemistry, with plans to become a dentist.
Udall, a National Merit Commended Scholar, graduated from Boise High School. An AP Scholar with Honors, he made the 4.0 Honor Roll three years and the 3.9 Honor Roll one year. He was a three-time class officer and member of the National Honor Society. Having traveled across Europe and to Mexico and with fluency in Spanish, he was inspired to become a tutor in his community for refugees and international students. He also worked with kids at Discovery Center and on service projects with the elderly. As an undergraduate, he plans to concentrate on international studies, music composition and philosophy, in preparation for an international service career.
Wagner, a National Merit Finalist, graduated from the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science. A member of the National Honor Society, she won the Spanish II Award and the Junior English Award, and she was named Most Outstanding Symphonic Band Member. Her volunteer efforts included tutoring and work with the Columbus Lake Clean-up, Angel Tree and SHINE Carnival. She plans to study pharmaceutical sciences and biochemistry, with a career goal in research to develop new drugs.
Wicks graduated first in her class of 388 at Ocean Springs High School, where she won awards in math and French. She was the state delegate to the 50th Annual U.S. Senate Youth Program and her school’s representative for the Gulf Coast Youth Leadership Program. She won fourth place in the Southeastern Regional National Oceanic Sciences Bowl and was the local winner of the VFW “Voice of Democracy” essay contest. She was an officer in the National Honor Society, Native American Alliance and Junior Civitan Club, captain of the NOSB team and member of the Mayor’s Youth Council. She did volunteer work with visually impaired children, Lions Club eye screenings, Mississippi Coastal Clean-up and Relay for Life. She plans to concentrate her studies on public policy leadership, international studies and biology in preparation for medical school.
Wilson graduated second in his class at North Forrest High School, where he was chosen for the Hall of Fame. He was class president all four years and president of the Student Council. Named a Mississippi Rural Medical Scholar, he won awards in English, anatomy and physiology, and trig/pre-calculus. He made the highest score on the English II Mississippi Subject Area Testing Program exam. He volunteered for the Salvation Army, Christian Food Services and as an after-school tutor. He plans to study chemistry, biochemistry and biology on his way to becoming a pediatrician.
Yi graduated from Western Academy of Beijing after having attended Oxford High School. At OHS, he received the Mississippi Studies Award, Spanish III Award and Peter Character Award. He was listed on the Principal’s Honor Roll, served on the Student Council and worked on the school newspaper. His service projects included work with “Week Without Walls” in both Bangladesh and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.