2010-2011 Doug and Grace Laughlin Scholarship Winner: Lauren Carr

Active. Involved. Excelling.

These few adjectives aptly describe Lauren Paige, who is one of the recipients of the 2011 P. Doug Laughlin College Parents of America First Generation College Student Scholarship.

“Being the oldest of three girls in my family, I am held to exceptionally high standards when it comes to my education and how I go about obtaining it.”

Lauren is the oldest of three girls in her family, thus requiring her to be a responsible individual both in the community and at home.  Lauren’s parents were never able to go to college themselves, so, from a young age, Lauren knew that she had the responsibility to blaze a collegiate path for her and her sisters. She has succeeded in her responsibilities, as she will begin attending the University of Arkansas in the fall of this year.

“I have dedicated my high school years to preparing myself for college and medical school… not only educationally, but also in activities and organizations that I am involved in.”

Lauren is, by all standards, an exceptional student. She carried a 4.0 Grade Point Average in high school. And, in addition to being named to multiple honor rolls and other academic achievement awards, Lauren holds the office of Vice President for her high school’s chapter of National Honor Society.  She is actively involved across her high school campus, holding the vice presidency of her class three times, as well as secretary of Mu Alpha Theta, and co-captain of her high school cheerleading squad.

The reach of Lauren’s leadership, however, extends far beyond the campus grounds. Lauren, as an active member in her high school’s Partners Club, help to organize and host events with special education children. 

“Over the course of three years, I have made extraordinarily strong bonds with several athletes, aging from elementary children through high school seniors. It is truly a touching experience…”

Lauren discovered through her volunteer work that she loves to work with children of all ages and enjoys enabling them to do and perform their best. She has chosen to dedicate her future to these tasks, specifically by ensuring child health.

“By being awarded the College Parents of America Scholarship, I will be one step closer to obtaining my goals of being a pediatrician specializing in oncology. Some may view it as a ‘small scholarship,’ but like the children [I volunteer with] have taught me, the smallest steps are the ones that add up to help you reach your dreams.”