2010-2011 Doug and Grace Laughlin Scholarship Winner: Amber Lyons
Amber Lyons has demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities through high school and freshman year of college.
President and founder of a creative writing club, founder of a literary magazine, assistant editor of Umbra Literary Magazine for New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA) and member of the Student Action Leadership Team (SALT) for the Louisiana United Pentecostal Church…these are only some of the leadership roles Amber played during high school.
Upon hearing her many accomplishments, people would assume that Amber has had a smooth transition to college. But, to the contrary, her college career has had its share of twists and turns.
Through hard work and dedication, Amber was accepted by several colleges. After careful consideration, she decided to attend Cornell College for her undergraduate studies with aspirations of pursuing an advanced degree either in law or family and marriage counseling. While at Cornell, Amber immersed herself in both academic studies and extracurricular activities. She became vice president of Costumers Guild and secretary of the Medieval Renaissance Club.
Towards the end of her freshman year, Amber’s parents informed her that she would not be able finish her undergraduate studies in Cornell College because of the family’s financial situation. Amber transferred to a small college close to home and continued to pursue her higher education.
“While still achieving high academically, I became less involved with the college unlike at Cornell where I had been elected to several offices within various clubs. This past year has given me time to think on what would truly make me the happiest.” said Amber.
Amber has recently transferred to a different institution, Southeastern Louisiana University, to complete her undergraduate degree. “I feel that (at Southeastern Louisiana University) I will be able to achieve high academically and I will be comfortable enough to use this time to develop leadership skills I began to hone in high school,” said Amber.
“This scholarship will help me to afford books and classes to finish my degree, while also allowing me to be at a better college, which will allow me to develop more fully than my sophomore year afforded. My plan is to join the newspaper and literary magazine at this new college, while still maintaining high grades.”
College Parents of America is proud to award the Exceptional Leadership Scholarship to Amber Lyons. We sincerely hope that it will help her achieve her educational goals.
