Mississippi State University awarded JA senior Ella Boykin with the selective Mississippi Excellence in Teaching scholarship. This highly competitive scholarship requires applicants to complete an essay, receive teacher recommendations, and participate in an on-campus interview.
The university selects up to 30 students per year for this scholarship. The METP Scholarship provides Ella a full ride covering the entire cost of attendance – full tuition, room, and board, plus a technology stipend and a study abroad experience.
Ella has worked diligently to develop an impressive resume as she heads to college, gaining experiences in leadership, performing arts, athletics, community service, and work. Her honors on campus and off are many, including being named to the Academy Honor Roll each year of Upper School and being selected to the National Honor Society and the National Junior Honor Society. During her senior year, she received a Congressional Award Silver Medal, a President’s Volunteer Service Award, and the 2024 Goodwill Salute Outstanding Youth Volunteer Award, to name a few.
Leading both on and off campus, Ella has gained experience as a Mississippi Secretary of State Student Ambassador, a Lott Leadership Institute Emerging Leader, an American Legion Auxiliary Magnolia Girls State Delegate, a Mississippi Center for Public Policy Leadership Academy participant, and with Youth Leadership Jackson this year. On campus, she is a co-founder and co-president of the school’s Interact Club, a Student Ambassador, a member of the yearbook staff, and a leader with Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
This year, she has been active in performing arts through show choir, involved in athletics through softball, cross country, and track, and a volunteer with many church and community organizations. Congratulations on this outstanding scholarship, Ella!
