365 PROJECT: First Black Roan Scholar
Originally Published: February 1, 2008
NICKI MAYO, WJHL-TV/Tricities.com
A Johnson City student is making the grade and history at the same time.
Science Hill senior Edwina Morris has been chosen for the 2008 Roan Scholars Leadership Program, making her the first African American to earn this honor. The program has offered a free ride to four East Tennessee State University incoming freshmen annually since 2000. This year five students will join its elite ranks.
“You know when your young you say I want to be a fireman or I want to be a police officer. I always said I want to be a doctor.”
Morris is humble and modest about her intentions for the scholarship. The 18-year-old is taking part in a clinical internship at the James H. and Cecile C. Quillen Rehabilitation Hospital. She started her 80-hour program Wednesday and plans to take the examination to become a certified nurse assistant around graduation time.
“I’ve always thought I’d leave Johnson City after graduation,” says the high school senior. She considered attending Nashville’s Vanderbilt University and Maryville College.
“The more that it was brought to my attention what it was a bout and how a roan scholarship is defined I said ‘wow this is me,’” she adds.
This fall, Morris plans to enroll in ETSU’s pre-Medical program. She hopes to become a surgeon or obstetrician. Right now, the Science Hill senior says she plans to focus on her roles as Student Government Association school wide representative and president of the Health Occupation Students of America chapter.
Morris says she’s doing a lot less these days compared to her previous athletic roles with the school’s track, basketball, and volleyball teams. “It’s a lot but I choose to do it all,” says Morris.
Students do not apply for the Roan Scholarship, they are chosen.
Teachers and guidance counselors from more than 50 regional schools in the East Tennessee, South West Virginia, and West North Carolina nominate students. A panel weans down the numbers to select four to five recipients.
To date, the scholarship has handed out 1.3 million dollars to regional students. These students receive four years’ tuition, a Dell laptop and printer, and access to ETSU events and trips. The scholarship is named for the East Tennessee mountain with its designation.
Organizers say the Roan Scholars are making a name for themselves both on the campus and in society.
“We train these young people to be student and world leaders,” says roan Scholarship director Kristina Bullock.
“We would like to have students that share different things, different backgrounds. Learn from one another and with one another. So we’re very grateful and excited about Edwina joining the Roan Scholars.”
