CMU awards Eagle Select, Pre-Med Scholars

Taking place on February 24, the inaugural Central Scholars Competition at Central Methodist University brought the best and brightest future Eagles to campus to compete for the prestigious Eagle Select and Pre-Med Scholars awards. This week, the Office of Admission announced the winners of each of the three full-tuition scholarships up for grabs: Joseph Burks of Macon, Mo.; Caleb Smith of Jonesboro, Ark.; and Abigail Erickson of Harrisburg, Mo. “Our first Central Scholars Day was a wonderful event, with so many outstanding students and families coming to Fayette for the competition,” said Dr. Melissa Mace, vice president for enrollment management. “We’re so proud to have such bright and talented students eager to make their mark as Eagles. We can’t wait to have them all on campus in the fall.” To be eligible for the Eagle Select and/or Pre-Med Scholars prizes, students needed to meet a high school GPA minimum of 3.75 and apply to participate in the Central Scholars competition. Each participant submitted an essay and resume and was later interviewed either on campus or virtually by CMU faculty, staff, and trustees. This year’s Eagle Select scholarship winners were Joseph Burks and Caleb Smith. Burks, a senior at Macon High School, intends to major in English while at Central, as well as participate in praise band. An active member of his school, church, and community, he also fills his time with his podcast entitled “Podcast by Committee.” Smith is an all-around student from Jonesboro, Ark. who intends to major in sports management at CMU. A talented singer who earned a spot in the final round of February’s Central’s Got Talent competition, he will also be a member of the Eagle football team in the fall as a linebacker. The Pre-Med Scholars full-tuition scholarship for 2024 was awarded to Abigail Erickson of Harrisburg. Currently attending boarding school in Canada, Erickson intends to major in biology. She is active in ministry and mission work and is looking forward to a career that helps her fulfill her dream of helping people. Each of this year’s winners received a surprise visit or virtual call from their admission representatives bringing the news of their achievement.