Editor's Note: This is the third and last in a series of articles profiling Eastern Michigan University's 14 Presidential Scholars.
The Presidential Scholarship is a four-year award that pays 30 credit hours (15 per semester) per year of in-state tuition, housing, food allowance and mandatory fees. Students who receive these scholarships must live in University residence halls the first two years of the award, complete at least 15 credit hours per semester and maintain a 3.5 GPA.
Scholarship recipients are selected during EMU's annual Presidential Scholarship Competition. Awards are based on a competitive exam. To compete, high school seniors must have either a 3.7 GPA or a 3.5 to 3.69 GPA, with a minimum 25 ACT or 1,150 SAT score. Each scholarship winner also must complete a successful interview.
This year, 14 students were found deserving of the honor. Profiles of the final four Presidential Scholars are provided below.
Anna Martell (Mason, Mich.)
Nurturing a love for books and a passion for history, Anna Martell decided to combine her interests into a double major in history and English at Eastern Michigan University.
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Martell |
"Eastern fit better than the smaller schools I was looking at," she said. "It's not too big or too small. It's a perfect compromise."
Martell quickly became involved with the EMU Symphonic Band and the general assembly in Downing Hall. She plans on joining Lyceum, the literature group on campus, while looking around for other things that interest her.
Martell aspires to work in the publishing industry. Her nearly perfect reading score, 35, on the ACT suggests this industry could ideally utilize her talent and love of reading. While she is not sure of her own writing career, she plans to focus on helping other writers with their work.
"I hate producing creativity on a deadline, which would make writing full-time for a career rather unpleasant. I also prefer aiding and socializing with people to seclusion. Therefore, I reached a happy medium: becoming a copy-editor," she explained.
Martell is truly enjoying her time at EMU. She appreciates the sense of community she feels living in Downing.
"I have met so many people and have made a lot of friends," she said.
Ashley Stinson (Fenton, Mich.)
You will rarely find Ashley Stinson walking around campus without headphones in her ears, listening to different kinds of music. This music enthusiast was forced to tour EMU by her mother. But, by the end of the day, she fell in love with the campus.
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Stinson |
"Everyone was just so nice and friendly," she said of the staff and students.
Stinson developed an eye for commercials when she was quite young. She recalls being able to identify the company producing the commercial during the first few seconds, based on how it was written.
Holding the job of staff photographer for the yearbook and the school newspaper in high school has earned her valuable experience. She already has had one of her photographs published in "Cellar Roots," EMU's literary magazine.
Her love of commercials and art, in general, has guided Stinson in the direction of public relations. Stinson's goal is to be the leader of a national advertising campaign.
"I want to see an ad on TV or on a billboard and say 'I did that,'" she said.
Since joining EMU, Stinson has formed friendships with students on her dormitory floor. She plans on getting involved as much as possible around campus because, in order to understand the world, you must experience it, she said.
"I feel like I'm more at home here than I would be at a larger school," said Stinson.
Winston Stoody (Fenton, Mich.)
In addition to the Presidential Scholarship, EMU's cross country team was a deciding factor for Winston Stoody.
"EMU has a great team and coach. They are the best," he said.
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Stoody |
Upon starting at Eastern, Stoody had to adjust to the heavier class workload. Between cross country practices and studying to maintain the required 3.5 GPA, he feels more challenged than he was in high school.
Winston chose economics as a major because "it is something that can be applied to real life and it is challenging at the same time," he said.
His goal of becoming "some kind of politician" might lead him to double major in finance. His said his ability to not overreact and maintain a serious demeanor when appropriate will be helpful in achieving this goal.
When talking about meeting people and getting involved around campus, Winston said, "I pretty much stick with the cross country team. Between the demanding practice schedules and studying, I hardly have time for anything else."
A talented runner who earned all-state status in high school, Stoody said one of the best parts about EMU is being a member of the cross country team.
Paul York-Carlton (Beverly Hills, Mich.)
Working for Mitt Romney's political campaign provided a learning experience and a chance for Paul York-Carlton to observe, firsthand, what he dreams of doing in the future.
"My dream job is to be a senator or an ambassador," he said.
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York-Carlton |
After receiving his degree in political science from EMU, Carlton hopes to become a political adviser in the U.S. government or the United Nations. His experience and state championship in extemporaneous speaking while in high school also will benefit his career aspirations.
Although Carlton came to EMU for the forensics program, he is not a member. He decided to become involved in new endeavors. After he becomes comfortable with his schedule, Carlton plans on joining the mock trial group and Model U.N.
"I overextended myself when I first got here. The schedule was too demanding and I want to broaden my horizons," he said.
Although the forensics team didn't work out, Carlton is enjoying his time at Eastern. He is not only surprised by how much he is challenged academically, but he has made friends he is confident will be around for life. Carlton is proud to be pursuing a degree from EMU.
"I'm confident in EMU's ability to get me a good job when I graduate," he said.
