The Eagle Select Program at Central Methodist University pits some of the most outstanding high school seniors against the challenges of high grade point averages, ACT scores, interviews, and testing.
The winner comes away with more than bragging rights. He or she takes the prize of four years of tuition-free attendance at Central, valued at more than $94,000.
Peyton Warren, a senior at Lincoln High School, won the latest CMU Eagle Select award. The competition was held earlier this month, and Peyton shined among two dozen other outstanding students from across the United States who participated in the competition.
Dr. Joe Parisi, vice president for enrollment management, surprised Peyton and her family Friday by visiting Lincoln and presenting the award. Her classmates gave her a standing ovation.
I was very impressed with Peyton, her grandparents, and her whole family,” Parisi said. “I am very confident she will thrive at Central.”
To compete, Peyton and the others were required to have at least a 3.5 grade point average and a minimum ACT score of 26. Contestants come to CMU the day of competition to undergo a series of interviews and tests involving math, verbal, and written skills.
Peyton wowed a number of CMU faculty, staff and administrators with her knowledge and poise, Parisi said.
Peyton is president of Lincoln High School’s National Honor Society, and captain of the BEST Robotics team. She plays the flute in the school band, and participates in Future Business Leaders of America, Math Club, Art Club, and A+ Tutoring. She enjoys reading, writing poetry and short stories, and drawing.