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Lee University has awarded nine incoming freshmen the 2021 Rymer Scholarship. The three Gold Scholars, three Silver Scholars, and three Bronze Scholars were chosen from Bradley Central High School (BCHS), Cleveland High School (CHS), and Walker Valley High School (WVHS).

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

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 Joy Douglass (CHS), Jessica (Ellie) James (BCHS), and Mason Rothwell (BCHS). They each will receive a scholarship of $10,000.

Douglass is the daughter of Jennifer and Chris Douglass. She is ranked first in her class and has a GPA of 4.0. She is a Raider Scholar, part of the National Honor Society and Phi Theta Kappa, and vice president for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), as well as being varsity volleyball team captain. While in high school, she has served the community by coordinating Easter events with Life Care Centers of America and worked with Life Bridges, Salvation Army, and Legacy Assisted Living. She is also a worship team leader for her church. Douglass attained a temporary nurse’s aid certification through the American Health Care Association during COVID-19, as well as various Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) certifications.

James is the daughter of Melanie and Daniel James. She has a GPA of 4.0 and is ranked 32 in her class of 397. She is part of the Future Farmers of America (FFA) and FCA and is the president of Beta Club. She has served with organizations such as the Hands and Feet, The Caring Place, Emmaus Community, Salvation Army, and Be The Light Movement of Hope. She has spent hundreds of hours leading worship, small groups, and service projects at Samples Memorial Baptist Church. James is on the Star Honor Roll and a Bear Scholar, graduating at the top of her class.

Rothwell, son of Tim and Nikki Rothwell, has a GPA of 4.0 and is ranked first in his class. He is a member of Beta Club, is a varsity basketball team captain, and is a member of the FCA and Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA). Rothwell plays guitar at his church, volunteers to tutor classmates, and works with the National Honor Society feeding the homeless and arranging food drives. He is on the Honor Roll, received ACTION Personal Training Certification, and is class valedictorian.

The 2021 Rymer Silver Scholars are Hannah Maupin (BCHS), Abdiel Medina (CHS), and Adam Miller (WVHS). They will each receive a scholarship of $5,000.

Maupin is the daughter of Coy and Jamie Maupin. She has a GPA of 4.0 and is ranked 12th in her class. She is on the math team, is a varsity cheerleader, is a leader with the FCA, on the Honor Roll, part of the Chick-Fil-A Leader Academy, and president of Educators Rising. Her community involvement includes working with Future Career and Community Leaders of America, Project Undercover, the Boys and Girls Club, and interning at Black Fox Elementary School. She has assisted with various annual church activities such as Vacation Bible School and the community outreach Light the Night, as well as being a part of the LH2O Drama Team and volunteering with the Mt. Olive Ministries nursery.

Medina, son of Ruben and Ada Medina, is ranked first in his class of 384 with a GPA of 4.0. He is a Graduate of Distinction, Raider Scholar, AP Scholar, member of FCA, Capturing Kids’ Hearts student representative, a peer mentor, and sports medicine ambassador. He has volunteered with Mission 423, Willow Bend Farms, The Caring Place, and Operation Christmas Child. Medina has also helped with his church’s children’s ministry, assisted with various church events, and participates in the youth worship band.

Miller is the son of Eric and Tabatha Miller and has a GPA of 3.9. He is involved with varsity golf and the marching and concert bands. He is part of Beta Club, National Honor Society, and Circle of Champions school honors program. His community service includes Boy Scouts; volunteering with Night to Shine, a prom for those with special needs; and helping with the fall festival and nursery for his church.

The Rymer Bronze Scholars are Emma Miles (CHS), Daniel Walker (WVHS), and Jessica Williams (WVHS). They will each receive a scholarship of $2,000.

Miles is the daughter of Mark and Jo Miles. She is ranked first in her class and has a GPA of 4.0. She is a Graduate of Distinction and softball team leader. Miles participated in Operation Christmas Child and volunteered with Hearth Hospice, visiting patients’ houses and assisting them with their daily living needs. She plans to major in nursing this fall at Lee.

Walker is the son of Daniel and Jennifer Walker. He has a GPA of 3.8 and is ranked 63rd in his class. He participated in the Chamber Choir, is a Beta Club member, and is a representative of the Stu dent Government Association. He has served with Life Church in Nashville and Westmore Church of God since 2008. He has served on four missions trips to New York City homeless shelters, has led worship at two Church of God summer camps, been the youth music director at his church, assisted with his church’s transition online during the pandemic, and served the homeless in Nashville by providing food and clothing.

Williams has a GPA of 4.0, is ranked 7th in her class, and is the daughter of Debbie and Micheal Williams. She is the section leader for the marching and concert bands, was part of the World Language Club, is a member of the Anchor Club, and worked as light and sound crew for the school musical and graduation. Williams’ community service includes assisting elementary school teachers with grading papers, helping with the East Tennessee School Band and Orchestra Association audition process, and running one-on-one student help sessions for elementary math students. She serves as a substitute Sunday School teacher for her church, where she also participates in Vacation Bible School and Christmas programs.

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.