Lee University has awarded nine incoming freshmen the 2025 Rymer Scholarship. Three Gold, three Silver, and three Bronze scholars were recognized for this award at the annual Rymer Scholars luncheon, held on Lee’s campus.  

The Rymer Foundation, established in 1989 by Hoyle Rymer and his father, Robert Rymer, awards the scholarship annually. The award honors exceptional achievement and encourages local public high school students to continue their education in Cleveland. Since the scholarship’s inception, more than 200 students have earned the title “Rymer Scholar.”  

Nine finalists from Bradley Central (BCHS), Cleveland (CHS), and Walker Valley High School (WVHS) were chosen for the 2025 awards.  

The Lee University President’s Office, along with the principals from all three high schools, appointed the selection committee. The committee reviewed the applications and conducted interviews with each finalist. Scholars were assessed based on their leadership in extracurricular, athletic, and church-based activities, high school rank, grade point average, college entrance exam scores, and the interview.    

This year’s Rymer Gold Scholars are Wesley Denard (CHS), Christopher Herron (BCHS), and Allissa Schalk (WVHS). They will each receive a scholarship of $10,000. 

Denard, son of Elizabeth and Brian Denard, will graduate with a GPA of 4.0. During high school, he has been involved in CHS Band, Marching Band, Jazz Combo, and Chattanooga Youth Symphony. He has also been involved with the audio team at The Church of God Zion Hill and is a member of the National Honors Society (NHS), an AP Scholar with Honor, and a Raider Scholar. 

Herron is the son of Elizabeth and Christopher Herron and has a 4.0 GPA. He has taken part in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) and was the Founding President of Testament of Christ Bible Study Club. He also competed in the Lee Constitution Bowl and achieved “B’s and Bars” Academic Honor Roll for four years in a row. 

Allissa Schalk, daughter of Kristi and Darren Schalk, is graduating with a 4.0 GPA. She has participated in Anchor Club, Beta Club, and NHS. She also competed on the Junior Varsity Volleyball and Track and Field teams. She is graduating with honors and is a Walker Valley Circle of Champions Gold Member.  

The 2025 Rymer Silver Scholars are Isaac Augustine (WVHS), Sydney Sacca (WVHS), and Abrielle Schalk (WVHS). They will each receive a scholarship of $5,000. 

Augustine, son of Timothy and Michelle Augustine, will graduate with a GPA of 4.0. Throughout high school, he has been involved in Ocoee Middle School Band, FCA, NHS, Oceanography Club, and student leadership at Westmore Church of God. He is graduating with honors and is a Walker Valley Circle of Champions Gold member.  

Sacca is the daughter of Jennifer and Matthew Sacca and has a 4.0 GPA. During her time at Walker Valley, she has taken part in the Student Government Association and the Interact Club, as well as serving in student leadership at Westwood Baptist. Her honors and awards include the Distinguished Young Woman of the Hiwassee Region and State Academic Award, Walker Valley Circle of Champions Gold Member, and a third place award in the Lee University Constitution Bowl. 

Abrielle Schalk, daughter of Kristi and Darren Schalk, is graduating with a 4.0 GPA. She has been an active participant in Walker Valley Chamber Choir, Beta Club, NHS, Anchor Club, and the Peerless Church youth group. In addition, she has competed on the Junior Varsity Volleyball and Varsity Track and Field teams. She is graduating as a Walker Valley Circle of Champions Gold member.  

The Rymer Bronze Scholars are Henry Brown (CHS), Corbin Light (BCHS), and Sydney McCrary (BCHS). They will each receive a scholarship of $3,000.  

Brown, son of Jerry and Melissa Brown, will graduate with a GPA of 4.0. During high school, he competed on the CHS Varsity Golf Team while working at Cleveland Country Club and Jerry’s Electric Motors. Brown is graduating as a Graduate of Distinction and a four-year Raider Scholar.  

Light is the son of Rhiannon and Christopher Light and has a 3.93 GPA. He has taken part in BCHS Track and Field, weightlifting, NHS, and the Tennessee Valley Early College program. He is graduating as a “B’s and Bars” ceremony recipient and has obtained President’s and Dean’s List status at Cleveland State Community College. 

McCrary, daughter of Jennifer McCrary, has achieved a 4.0 GPA. She has been involved in the BCHS Band and works as a server at Cracker Barrel. She volunteers in the community and has been dual enrolled at Lee.  

All monetary awards will be dispersed to the winners over a period of four years.  

For more information about the Rymer Scholarship, contact Lee’s Office of Admissions at [email protected] or (423) 614-8500.