The Eagle Select Program at Central Methodist University pits some of the most outstanding high school seniors in Missouri against one another, facing high-pressure 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 $100,000.
Madelyn Mehl, a senior at Cuba High School, won the prestigious and competitive scholarship this year. The competition was held two weeks ago, and Mehl shined among many other outstanding students from across the United States who participated in the competition.
Dr. Joe Parisi, vice president for enrollment management, along with admissions counselors Aaron Shockley and Layne Crump, surprised Mehl and her family Tuesday by visiting Cuba and presenting the award. Many of her classmates were on hand and gave her a standing ovation. Mehl's parents, Jason and April, and brother, Cooper, were on hand at the presentation.
“I was impressed with Madelyn and her parents,” Parisi said. “I am very confident she will thrive at Central.”
To compete, Mehl and the others were required to have at least a 3.5 grade point average and a minimum ACT score of 26. Contestants came to CMU the day of competition to undergo a series of interviews and tests involving math, verbal, and written skills.
Mehl wowed a number of CMU faculty, staff, and administrators with her knowledge and poise, Parisi said.
Mehl participates in drill team, student council, and band at Cuba High School, and serves as president of the National Honor Society. She plans to attend CMU in the fall.