Lee University has awarded nine incoming freshmen the 2026 Rymer Scholarship. Three Gold, three Silver, and three Bronze scholars were recognized at the annual Rymer Scholars Luncheon held on Lee’s campus.
 
“These students truly reflect the best of our local schools in their academic achievements, leadership, service, and character,” said Micaleah Parker, director of Undergraduate Admissions at Lee. “We’re excited to welcome them to Lee and to watch how they continue to grow and pursue their callings.”
 
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 high school students to continue their education in Cleveland.
 
Nine finalists from Bradley Central High School (BCHS), Cleveland High School (CHS), and Walker Valley High School (WVHS) were selected for the 2026 awards.
 
This year’s Rymer Gold Scholars are Olivia Chastain (BCHS), John “Cason” Stewart (CHS), and Rylan Hysinger (WVHS). They will each receive a $20,000 scholarship.
 
Chastain, daughter of Gene and Bridgette Chastain, will graduate with a 4.0 GPA. She has participated in Student Council, Beta Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), and varsity cheerleading. Chastain is a member of the National Honor Society (NHS) and is a certified nursing assistant. She serves on the youth worship team and in children’s ministry at Avenue Church. Chastain has been named an FCA All-American and is a recipient of the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association NFHS Award of Excellence for Sportsmanship, Ethics, and Integrity. She plans to major in nursing at Lee.
 
Stewart, son of Mark and Kerrie Stewart, will graduate with a 4.0 GPA. During his time at CHS, he has been a four-time wrestling state champion, captain of the soccer team, and served on the devotion team for FCA. Stewart volunteers in children’s ministry and on the greeting team at North Cleveland Church of God, where he is also a member of the worship team and choir. He plans to major in pastoral ministry at Lee.
 
Hysinger, daughter of Joseph and Mindy Hysinger, will graduate with a 4.0 GPA. She has participated in varsity cheer for football and wrestling, Beta Club, and the Walker Valley musical. Hysinger is a member of the NHS and World Language Club. She is involved in the youth praise and drama teams, a girls discipleship group, and volunteers in the nursery at Bellefounte Baptist Church. She plans to major in history with teacher licensure at Lee.
 
The 2026 Rymer Silver Scholars are Carson Cannon (BCHS), Isaac Sausville (WVHS), and Emmaleigh Shaw (WVHS). They will each receive a $10,000 scholarship.
 
Cannon, son of Wade and Brittany Cannon, will graduate with a 4.0 GPA. He has participated in FCA, varsity basketball, and varsity baseball. He is a member of the Beta Club and NHS. He is also a recipient of the ATS Ambassador Shining Star Award and the B’s and Bars Academic Award. He plans to major in biochemistry (pre-med) at Lee.
 
Sausville, son of Paul and Sarah Sausville, will graduate with a 4.0 GPA. During high school, he was an active member of the chess team, NHS, and Beta Club. Sausville played golf and varsity basketball, earning all-district honors. He attends First Baptist Cleveland and has volunteered for the Empty Stocking Fund, Go Love Serve, and the 24/7 prayer movement. He plans to major in biology at Lee.
 
Shaw, daughter of TJ and Jill Shaw, will graduate with a 4.0 GPA. She is senior class president and is involved in student government, color guard, and World Language Club. Shaw is a member of the NHS, Science National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, and Beta Club. She is a recipient of the Alex Womack Character Award and attends Mt. Olive Church of God, where she serves in children’s ministry and on the student senior council. She plans to major in biological sciences at Lee.
 
The Rymer Bronze Scholars, who will each receive a $4,000 scholarship, are Taylor Hoffman (BCHS), Britain Sapp (BCHS), and Jonathan Ronca Jr. (CHS).
 
Hoffman, daughter of Matthew and Jenny Hoffman, will graduate with a 4.0 GPA. She has been involved in Vocal Motion Show Choir, Beta Club, and drama. Hoffman has served as alto section leader, dance captain, and devotion leader for the show choir. She has also participated in FCA and ATS The Bridge. She attends Macedonia Baptist Church, where she serves as a worship team leader.
 
Sapp, daughter of Stephen and Dr. Carissa Sapp, will graduate with a 4.0 GPA. She has been an active member of Student Council, serving as vice president and president, as well as Beta Club, NHS, and FCA. Sapp participated in varsity basketball cheerleading and has received the Christian Cheerleaders of America All-American honor, Tennessee Association of Student Councils Legacy Award, and All-Star recognition. She serves in student ministry and senior adult ministry at North Cleveland Church of God. She plans to major in psychology at Lee.

Ronca, son of Jonathan and Christine Ronca, will graduate with a 3.96 GPA. During high school, he participated in varsity football and track and field. He attends North Cleveland Church of God, where he serves on the social media team and worship team, and is a member of the choir. He plans to major in engineering at Lee.
 
All monetary awards will be distributed to recipients over four years. In addition to the financial awards, all Rymer Scholars will receive a two-year housing stipend, covering the cost of on-campus housing for their first four semesters at Lee.
 
For more information about the Rymer Scholarship, contact Lee’s Office of Admissions at [email protected] or 423-614-8500.
 
PHOTO: Recipients of the 2026 Rymer Scholarship gather for a photo in the John Nichols Courtyard at Lee University following a luncheon held in their honor. Pictured from left to right are Olivia Chastain, Britain Sapp, Isaac Sausville, Carson Cannon, Jonathan Ronca Jr., Cason Stewart, Rylan Hysinger, and Emmaleigh Shaw. (Not pictured is Taylor Hoffman.)