AWM seniors offered by ASU

By Billy Woods

WM School District

Fifteen Academies of West Memphis seniors were rendered surprised last week when Arkansas State University rep LaTasha Pye informed them her school has offered them all scholarship money.

Four levels of scholarships were handed out, including the Promise Scholarship, which is worth $8,000 for four years; The Pride One Scholarship, which is worth $26,880 over four years; The Pride Three Scholarship, which is worth $28,880 over four years and the Excellence Scholarship, which is worth $36,880.

"These scholarships are great accomplishments because it means the students have done four years of work to get them," said Pye, a recruitment adviser at A-State. "It is based on the ACT scores and GPA their last four years."

The Promise Scholars at AWM included Rileigh Smith, Luci Blankenship, Amari Turner, Zakiah Smith, Takiya Warren, Taylor Gore, Merrie Lancaster and Kyrus Rodgers.

Pride One Scholars include Hayden Spears, John David Kemp, Tristan Banks and Kentarious Stewart.

The Pride Three Scholarship went to Rylee Elmore.

The Excellence Scholarship went to Joshua Foster and Austin Sudbury.

"We're so thankful that ASU comes and recognizes these kids with a type of ceremony," said AWM senior guidance counselor Latarsha Johnson. "A lot of colleges will just send a letter or email, but ASU comes down here personally to congratulate the kids and surprise them with the announcement. I look forward to this every year."