Smith Scholarship winner

Oak Hill student wins prestigious
Smith Scholarship

by Norm Miller

PINEVILLE, La. (LCUNews)–Louisiana Christian University held its annual Smith Scholarship competition Saturday, January 26, with 23 entrants.

Oak Hill High School senior Samantha Aaron took top prize: a scholarship to LCU that includes tuition, books, room, and board.

“I was just praying to God, asking him to give me clarity,” Aaron said. “And if this was what he wanted from me that he would give me that clarity. Then they said my name, and I just couldn’t believe that I was so blessed with this opportunity.”

Aaron is a dual enrollment student at LCU and said she was “excited to continue my studies here.” She will pursue a Missions and Ministries degree but hasn’t chosen a specific occupation yet. “I will do whatever God would like me to do,” she said. “I’ve already taken some Missions and Ministry courses here through dual enrollment and I can’t get enough.”

A member of Homewood Baptist Church in Alexandria, Aaron said when she first became a Christian she “felt the call to talk to people about God. That call is for every Christian, but mine was a deeper call than just the average.”

“We are very thankful for the students who honored us by entering the competition,” said Louisiana Christian University President Dr. Rick Brewer. “We are especially honored that Samantha has heard and answered God’s calling and wants to begin preparing for that call at Louisiana Christian University.”

The annual competition drew contestants from the CenLa region, as well as Opelousas, Ville Platte, Walker, Jarreau, Monroe, Branch, Rayne, Baton Rouge, Sulphur, and Houma. Competitors must have at least a 28 ACT score and are further evaluated based on their leadership qualities and Christian character.

Qualified contestants who enroll next fall at Louisiana Christian University will be awarded an annual academic scholarshipof $8,500 and will join the C.S. Lewis Honors Scholars program.

An endowment donation from Tom and Beverly Durham to honor Mrs. Durham’s mother, Elizabeth Smith, founded the Smith Scholarship in the early 1970s.