Union City, Tenn.–Obion County Schools’ monthly board meeting on March 6, 2023, was a big night for recognition. The meeting had most of its’ time slotted to recognize Building-Level and Systemwide Educators of the Year. However, the successes of the district’s students stole the spotlight for a few minutes as one achievement after another was recognized.
One of the highlights:
Bethel Hendrix Scholarship Recipient
Obion County Central High School Senior, Ranaan Sellers, was quite surprised when her parents and Walter Butler, President of Bethel University, interrupted her dual credit, Bethel issued, statistics course. Stephen White, Senior Recruiter, Hannah Mills, Renaissance Recruiter, Tina Hodges, Director of Recruitment and Admissions, and Walter Butler reached out Ranaan’s parents the night before and worked together to plan the surprise that is changing her post-secondary life. Sellers was awarded the Bethel Hendrix Scholarship. This scholarship will cover full tuition for four years and room and board. The application for the scholarship was no easy task. The Hendrix Scholarship Competition took place over two days, consisting of an essay, an academic exam, and an interview.
After her surprise, Sellers was invited to the Obion County School’s monthly board meeting. That evening, she was recognized as the Obion County Schools’ Student Spotlight recipient for the month of March.
Sellers will begin her college education at Bethel University Fall of 2023 and is joining Bethel’s Renaissance theatre program. The Renaissance program at Bethel includes vocal, instrumental, theatre, and production studies. Sellers plans on obtaining a biology, pre-med degree and then continuing to Physical Therapy school.
Photo: From left – Stephen White, Senior Recruiter; Hannah Mills, Renaissance Recruiter; Tina Hodges, Director of Recruitment and Admissions; Ranaan Sellers, Award Recipient; Heather Kendall, OCCHS Guidance Counselor; Barry Kendall, OCCHS Principal; and Walter Butler, President of Bethel University. Back Row- Sabrina and Bryan Lippard (Parents)
Photo by Lauren Kendall/Obion County Schools.