Carolyn Payne Scholars Announced
Lee University students Halee Reeder and Jill Reynolds have been named the 2021-22 Carolyn Payne Scholarship recipients.
Awarded annually to two female rising juniors, the Carolyn Payne Scholarship was established in memory of the late Carolyn Payne, a close family friend of Lee Chancellor Dr. Paul Conn and his wife Darlia. Funds for the annual scholarship have been provided by members of the Payne family since 1989.
“The Carolyn Payne Scholarship list is virtually a ‘Who’s Who’ of outstanding female students from the last 30 years,” said Dr. Paul Conn. “It is awarded to students who have already spent two years at Lee, so the basis is not just someone’s potential, but her actual track record as a younger student. I’m so proud of this year’s winners! They join a distinguished group of Payne Scholars going back over three decades.”
Reeder is a nursing major and cheerleader from Nolensville, Tennessee.
“Hearing I was nominated for the Carolyn Payne Scholarship was an honor itself, but being chosen as a recipient was an absolute blessing,” said Reeder. “It truly shows that even when you might feel like your hard work isn’t noticed, someone is always watching and is proud of your success.”
Reynolds, a music voice major from Columbus, Georgia, is a member of Ladies of Lee and Lee University Chorale. She also serves as a peer leader for the music Gateway class.
“I was in awe when I discovered I received the Carolyn Payne Scholarship, and I am incredibly honored and grateful,” said Reynolds.
Reeder and Reynolds join last year’s Payne Scholars Jayliene Bonilla, Emily Jennings, and Madeline Mayes.
Bonilla, a senior English major with a writing emphasis, is from Tampa, Florida. She is a member of Voices of Lee, the university’s travelling a cappella ensemble.
Jennings is from Travelers Rest, South Carolina, and majors in Christian ministries. She is also a member of Voices of Lee.
Mayes, from Roswell, Georgia, is a psychology major and has served as chaplain and vice president of Sigma Nu Sigma, a social service club at Lee.
Candidates were nominated by faculty members and then selected by a scholarship committee. Criteria for the award include leadership, campus involvement, broadly-based student achievement, and service to others.
