The Michael Wilson Scholarship is a local scholarship that was created by John Wilson and his family in 2018.
Each year, a scholarship committee chooses three students to interview before deciding on the winner. This year, however, the committee found each candidate so accomplished that choosing between them was a struggle. Because this was an unprecedented year with the incredible hardship of Hurricane Helene, the scholarship committee made the decision to award all three finalists with the Michael Wilson Scholarship.
The scholarship was established in memory of Michael Wilson, son of Jack and Teed Wilson, who died in the fall of 1968. Michael was a ninth grader at Harris High School when he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer. He died before Christmas of that year. He was the only son of Jack and Teed Wilson.
The Michael Wilson Scholarship is based on academics, extracurricular activities, and financial need. The scholarship awards one deserving student with $10,000 a year for four years, equaling a full amount of $40,000 for the student to attend a four-year college or university of their choice.
The recipients this year were Kathryn Ringwood, Lauren Ringwood, and Katie Duncan. According to committee members, each of these candidates exemplified high academic standards, compassion for their community, and passion for their intended field of study. Each of these young women will be receiving $40,000 to attend the college or university of their choice.
In reference to continuing to pursue her dream of attending Berry College, Katie Duncan said, “Just because you think something is unattainable doesn’t mean you should give up on it completely, you never know when a blessing will come in disguise.” The Michael Wilson Scholarship helped make that dream a reality.
“The Michael Wilson Scholarship has given me the privilege of a higher education, new friends, late night study sessions, and lastly the opportunity to pridefully represent Mitchell County,” said Lauren Ringwood, in expressing her gratitude for the scholarship.
Her sister, Kathryn Ringwood, shared, “This scholarship has afforded me the privilege to expand my worldview, make new connections, and most importantly honor the people of our community through my knowledge and experiences.”
The Michael Wilson Scholarship is one of many local scholarships available to Mitchell High School students. Local scholarship applications are submitted each spring through the school district.
Mitchell High School seniors interested in the Michael Wilson Scholarship should apply for the local scholarship in the spring of their senior year. If anyone is in the process of estate planning and interested in giving towards this scholarship, please contact John Wilson or Chelsea Wilson Thayer with the Mitchell Educational Foundation: jlwilson513@gmail.com or chelseawthayer@gmail.com.