by Katey Hennigan
CLEVELAND, Ga., (TMNews)- Charity Estes, a senior nursing major, and Kelcie Johnson, a senior Education major, were named winners of the 2014-15 AFLAC Scholarship, an award given to college seniors who demonstrate strong leadership skills, are involved within the community, and maintain a certain GPA.
This yearly award is given out by the Georgia Independent College Association and it’s rare for there to be more than one winner at the same institution. “I was so excited when I first heard I had won this scholarship,” Estes shared when she found out she was a recipient for the 2014-2015 AFLAC Scholarship. In addition to a 2.5 GPA, scholarship recipients must have demonstrated leadership skills and involvement in activities both on and off campus.
Due to their dedication in the classroom, on campus and in the community, Estes and Johnson were named recipients of the award and given $2,500 to go towards completing their Bachelor’s Degree. Estes received the AFLAC Nursing scholarship and Johnson received the AFLAC Education scholarship.
Upon graduation, both students have established goals for themselves: “One of my biggest goals after graduating is to pass the NCLEX, which is a test required to receive my RN license,” Estes shared. “After this, I hope to obtain a job as a pediatric nurse…I also hope to one day work with underprivileged children here in American and overseas in order to help them physically as well as spiritually.”
Johnson added: “God had called me to the mission field to work with children… Although I cannot publicly profess my faith in the school system, it is my desire that each student I teach feels the love of Christ through me.”
Both girls echoed the blessing receiving this scholarship was to them, an answer to prayer for which both give God the glory. “I had not known for sure if I would receive it,” Estes said, referencing the scholarship. “I am only here because of the scholarships and grants I have been able to attain…thus, this scholarship was an answer to prayer.”
Johnson added: “I had been in Haiti for a week on a mission trip with TMC’s Residence Life Staff and while I was in the Haitian airport, I received an email informing me of the scholarship…Many Haitian children never get to attend school. Therefore, I was quickly humbled and gratefully blessed!”
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Katey is a freelance writer for Truett-McConnell.
Photo/Adam Roark
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