Reanna Huskey accepts the Walker County Republican Party Good Citizen Scholarship from Matthew Williamson, second from right, and Dawn Merritt, right. Huskey's mother, far left, stands with her to accept the award.
Walker County Republican Party presents three Good Citizen Scholarships. From left are Stacey and Chris Cain, Dawn Merritt, Reanna Huskey, Huskey's mother, and Adam Whitsett.Three high school graduates received a little extra help with college funding thanks to the Walker County Republican Party's $1,000 Good Citizen Scholarship.
Ridgeland High School's valedictorian, Tyler Cain; Gordon Lee High School's salutatorian, Adam Whitsett; and LaFayette High School's Reanna Huskey each received the award for their outstanding GPAs coupled with extensive community service. Although it is the first year for the award, Walker County GOP Chairman Matthew Williamson said he hopes to make it an annual scholarship award.
About Tyler Cain
The Ridgeland High graduate has actually already begun his post-college career, training at a summer program at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., before he goes on to major in economics and train in aviation at the academy this fall.
In addition to his studies, Cain auditioned for the band and made drum line in the U.S. Naval Academy Drum and Bugle Corps - the oldest active drum corps in the United States founded in 1914.
"This has been an exciting year," said Cain, in his letter thanking the group for the scholarship. "I am attending an incredible school, I will have a job when I graduate, and I get to vote for my future boss. We stay very busy, and the work is very hard. I appreciate the letters and all the support from back home. Thank you again for the scholarship award, it means a lot to me."
Cain graduated at the top of his class with a 4.0 grade point average and earned 200 hours of community service in high school. He served as president of the National Honor Society, a member of the Key Club and a band member. In addition to his aviation aspirations with the Marines, he dreams of flying with the Blue Angels.
"The U.S. Naval Academy had 17,043 applications and they took 1,100," said Tyler's father, Chris Cain, who accepted his scholarship on his son's behalf. "According to the vice admiral it was the toughest selection they've had because of so many high SAT scores."
About Adam Whitsett
Whitsett who is attending the University of Georgia to major in biology and minor in psychology, plans to continue to medical school after college and become a surgeon.
The high school salutatorian is also the recipient of the Zell Miller Scholarship, which will cover 100 percent of his tuition and allow him to use the Good Citizenship funding to cover expensive textbooks and housing.
In high school, Whitsett maintained a 4.0 grade point average, served as the Key Club president, and was a member of Student Council, National Honor Society, Future Farmers of America and Future Business Leaders of America. He completed 150 hours of community service. He will attend the University of Georgia this fall to major in biology and minor in psychology. He plans to become a general surgeon.
"I like science and learning about the world around us," said Whitsett. "I've always been a humanitarian. I love helping those in need. So being a general surgeon and blending it with humanitarian need and my love of science [makes sense to me]."
About Reanna Huskey
The 4.0 GPA student will attend Berry College this fall. She intends to become a clinical psychologist, with a focus on children who have experienced trauma and ways to use art therapy to help them heal.
"I went through a lot growing up and a clinical psychologist helped me," she said, explaining that she wants to help others the same way.
While in high school, Huskey served as an officer in Student Government Association, was a national "I Dare You" Leadership winner, a Certificate of Merit Award winner, an editor on the yearbook staff, a Beta Club member and a varsity tennis player.
Until she leaves for college this fall, she can be found working at the LaFayette Library at her summer internship, where she works frequently with children to improve their reading.
Aside from working at the library, Huskey likes to sketch comics in her spare time. She also paints and creates pottery.