2013 Rymer Scholarship Finalists Announced

Lee University has announced the 2013 Rymer Scholarship finalists. Provided through the Rymer Foundation, the scholarships honor local student achievement and encourage talented high school students to remain in the Cleveland area.

A total of nine students were selected as Rymer finalists for 2013: Hanna Blessing, Kyle Davidson, Jordan Glover, Alexandra Hutt, Devin Kersey, Hannah Long, Clayton Parris, Caitlin Tharp and Kelsey Wofford. 

Three finalists will be designated as Rymer Gold Scholars, three as Rymer Silver Scholars, and three as Rymer Bronze Scholars. Principals from Bradley Central, Cleveland, and Walker Valley high schools have selected faculty representatives to serve alongside Lee University representatives on a selection committee. The committee conducts interviews with each finalist and will announce the award recipients at the annual Rymer Scholarship banquet in May.

Winners are selected based on their leadership in extracurricular, athletic and church-based activities, high school rank, grade point average, college-board exam scores, and the interview. 

A senior at Bradley County High School, Hanna Blessing is the daughter of Robert Blessing and Denise Morgan. Currently ranked 31 out of 381, with a GPA of 3.8571, she serves as president of the Music Honor Society and is a member of the National Honor Society.  Hanna serves on the student council, at the Salvation Army, and is the secretary for Invisible Children. She attends and volunteers her time at North Cleveland Church of God and Redemption Point. She also serves as chaplain for the Vocal Motion Show Choir.

Kyle Davidson, a senior at Walker Valley High School, is the son of Todd and Lara Davidson. Currently ranked 1 out of 363, Kyle is a Tennessee Scholar with a GPA of 4.0.  He is a member of the Circle of Champions, National Honor Society, East Tennessee School Band, and the Lee University Honor Band.  Kyle has volunteered with Christmas Memories, Operation Christmas Child, Angel Tree Shopping and tornado relief. He attends First United Methodist Church of Cleveland.

Jordan Glover, son of Gary and Nancy Glover, is a senior at Walker Valley High School. Currently ranked 8 out of 363, with a GPA of 4.0, Jordan is the student body vice president and treasurer of the Key Club. Jordan volunteers in his church café, has gone on several church missions trips, and has assisted with tornado relief. He attends Peerless Road Church of God of Prophecy and plans on majoring in mathematics and education.

Alexandra Hutt, a senior at Cleveland High School, is the daughter of Kurtis and Anna Hutt. She is currently ranked 37 out of 278, with a GPA of 3.786. Alexandra is captain of the varsity soccer team and was named first team all-region. She is a leadership member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the National Honor Society, and serves as a tutor for elementary school students. Alexandra volunteers as a coach for the recreational soccer league and is a leader in her church’s middle school ministry.  She attends First Baptist Church of Cleveland and plans on majoring in psychology.

Devin Kersey, a senior at Bradley Central High School, is the son of Greg and Angela Kersey. Currently ranked 1 out of 381, with a GPA of 4.0, he is the student body vice president and treasurer of the National Honor Society.  Devin has been a member of the Chamber of Commerce Youth Leadership Program, aided in tornado relief, and worked with Christmas Memories. Devin attends Gracepoint Church and plans on majoring in biology.

Hannah Long, a senior at Walker Valley High School, is the daughter of Delores and the late Mike Long. Hannah is currently ranked 26 out of 363, with a GPA of 3.9286. She is a member of the color guard, Beta Club, Circle of Champions, and the yearbook staff, along with being a Tennessee Scholar. Hannah has volunteered at Hospice of Chattanooga’s grief camp for children. She attends Hopewell Church of God where she serves in the nursery center. She plans to major in biochemistry.

Clayton Parris, a senior at Cleveland High School, is the son of Dr. Randall and Rhonda Parris. Currently ranked 47 out of 278, Clayton is a senior leadership member for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and a student representative on the Director of Schools Student Advisory Council. He currently maintains a GPA of 3.679. Clayton has served in projects for the Environmental Awareness Association, mentored 5th grade students at Arnold and Mayfield elementary schools, and volunteered at GOAL Academy as an office and maintenance aid. He attends Westmore Church of God and plans on majoring in secondary education with an English emphasis.

A senior at Walker Valley High School, Caitlin Tharp is the daughter of Barry and Hope Tharp. She is currently ranked 15 out of 363 with a 3.9649 GPA. Caitlin is a member of the color guard where she also serves as an instructor’s aide. She has participated in DECA and is a member of the National Honor Society, Beta Club, Mu Alpha Theta, Circle of Champions, and is a Tennessee Scholar. Caitlin serves with OK Cleveland, providing school supplies to families in need, and attends Mt. Olive Church of God where she volunteers as a nursery assistant.

Kelsey Wofford, a senior at Cleveland High School, is the daughter of Curtis and Lisa Wofford. Currently ranked 1 out of 278 with a 4.0 GPA, Kelsey is a Raider Scholar and a member of Model United Nations. She also helped organize CHS’s first German club. Kelsey is a member of Girl Scouts, has volunteered at Montessori Kinder School, and serves with the MK+ German School. She attends St. Luke’s Episcopal Church where she teaches Sunday school. Kelsey plans on majoring in intercultural studies with a vocational emphasis.