Incoming freshman accept scholarships to SU

Approximately 425 high school students from across the state piled into the PBS Pinchback Engineering building last night in pursuit of scholarships and a quick glimpse of college life.
According to Tracie Abraham, the executive director of admissions and recruitment, the following schools were among those whose students were offered scholarships throughout the night: McKinley High, St. Helena High, Opelousas High, Ascension Catholic High, Southern Laboratory and Baton Rouge High.
The event, justly called College Night, was set up similar to a career fair with booths representing the academic departments at the university. Students lined the hallways with admission papers, transcripts and ACT scores in hand-they knew that Southern was not only prepared to admit students but offer many scholarships as well.
Abraham said that the idea for the event was discussed “about a month ago” and was brought to the table by Yvonne Roberson, the Admissions counselor.
Interim Chancellor Margaret Ambrose delivered the welcoming speech.
“We want you to choose Southern University…. This evening, we are prepared to offer you scholarships on the spot,” said Ambrose.
Ambrose declared that yesterday marked the one-month anniversary of the incident that landed her in the surgery room for a shattered shoulder. She also mentioned that she used the occasion as an “incentive” to work harder with her therapist, so that she could attend the event.
Shortly following Ambrose, Shayla Price, a student who earned over $100,000 in scholarships prior to attending Southern, addressed the audience offering words of encouragement.
“I love Southern, I transferred from Xavier University and I found that Southern was my home,” Price stated, adding that she will now be attending the Southern University Law Center.
Senior Chisolu Isiadinso from Christian Life Academy said that she learned of the event via a letter in the mail.
Already accepted into the university, she was among the many students in line applying for scholarships.
Alicia Joseph, a senior from Opelousas Senior High School, said she came to the event in order to “get a better feel of the campus and to meet some of the professors.”
Joseph disclosed that she had already received two scholarships to Southern prior to the event, one being an Honors College scholarship. She also mentioned that around 20 of her classmates were also in attendance.
Jasper Knightun, who is an aspiring civil engineer, said that about 10 students from his school St. Helena Central were also in attendance.
According to Abraham, the event was a success.