Scholars Day 2027
Saturday, February 20
Lees-McRae College is proud to offer our annual Scholars Day, hosted by the Honors Program. This event allows any student who has been admitted to the Honors Program a chance to compete for distinguished scholarships. The competition includes a timed, written composition, and interview with members of our faculty.
The Elizabeth McRae Scholarship is the highlighted award for which students compete. Named after the renowned Southern teacher who inspired the Rev. Edgar Tufts, this scholarship covers full tuition for all four years. Valued at more than $130,000 over the course of four years, this scholarship will replace any other merit aid awarded and is an outstanding honor to receive from the College. Three of these marquee scholarships will be awarded.
In addition, several deserving students will receive a Jim & Kay Lauritsen Scholarship, in recognition of their continued excellence and demonstrated commitment to the values of the Honors Program. These awards are $2,000–$3,000 annually ($8,000–$12,000 over four years) and are given in addition to any other merit scholarship received. This year’s event that will take place on Saturday, February 20, 2027. Registration is now open and all students who are admitted to our Honors Program will be invited to attend Scholars Day.
Check-in and Academic Fair
Cannon Student Center
Welcome and Introduction to the Honors Program
Evans Auditorium
Student Essay Writing
Burton Center for Student Success, Shelton Learning Commons
Parent Panel
Various Locations
Lunch
Chaffee Center Annex, Burton Center for Student Success, Bowman Building
Student Interviews
Burton Center for Student Success
Resource Fair and Closing Gifts (optional)
Shelton Learning Commons
Campus Tours (optional)
Scholars Day will be an in-person, on-campus event.
Please note that this event is extremely limited. All students who are admitted to the Honors Program can participate. While not every student will earn additional scholarships, we would love to see all students choose to enroll at Lees-McRae in the fall. Your return on investment is tremendous, particularly for those in the Honors Program.
Congratulations on your achievements to date, and we look forward to your participation in Scholars Day!
Located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, we’re inspired every day by all that surrounds us. There are breathtaking vistas, shady valleys, and clear, gentle streams in every direction.
We have countless trails in the area—in fact segments of the Appalachian Trail and Mountains-to-Sea Trail wind through Avery County. If you’re looking to climb even higher, visit one of the local peaks including Grandfather Mountain, Sugar Mountain, or Beech Mountain.
If driving is more your speed, you can take a spin on the Blue Ridge Parkway just miles from campus. Or head over to one of our neighboring towns, such as Boone, Blowing Rock, and Linville. Our hometown of Banner Elk hosts concerts, markets, and community events throughout the year, including the famous Woolly Worm Festival.
There is so much to do in the High Country, you’ll want to extend your visit for more adventures!