Incoming freshmen earn prestigious Elizabeth McRae Scholarships at Scholars Day 2025
Each year, the Lees-McRae College Honors Program hosts Scholars Day, an event where incoming students are invited to campus for an opportunity to compete for scholarships. Students invited to Scholars Day meet the requirements for the Honors Program, including a high school grade point average of 3.75 or above.
The Elizabeth McRae Scholarship, the most competitive and generous award of the day, offers full tuition for four years of undergraduate study. The award, which was earned by three incoming students this year, is named for one of the college’s namesakes, Elizabeth McRae, in honor of her life-long dedication to education.
Kyrra McCollum, Joanna Graczyk, and Logan Watkins are the latest Bobcats to earn this prestigious prize as they prepare to begin their Lees-McRae journeys in Fall 2025.
“I am truly beyond thankful for this opportunity that Scholars Day provided me. Lees-McRae has been my top choice ever since discovering its unique programs and beautiful campus, but without this scholarship, I would not have been able to afford to attend.
I believe that the key to this scholarship was confidence in myself as well as kindness towards others. I cannot wait to further my education and take part in the special and hands-on learning that Lees-McRae offers its students.”
- Kyrra McCollum
"I am truly honored to have received the Elizabeth McRae Scholarship. The first time I stepped foot on campus, I immediately knew it was my place.
I have big dreams to run my own wildlife sanctuary, and I know there is no other school that could offer me the experience I can get at the May Wildlife Rehabilitation Center and the Elk Valley Preserve. I can't wait to be a part of the beautiful campus and intimate class setting, and form relationships with students and professors that will last a lifetime."
- Joanna Graczyk
“I am so incredibly grateful and excited to receive the Elizabeth McRae Scholarship! During my visit to campus, I was extremely impressed by the Wildlife Biology program and the unique opportunities presented to students.
Lees-McRae holds deep ties with the land and local community, boasts an amazing wildlife rehabilitation center, and heavily encourages students to embrace the mountains. I can even bring my pet reptiles and amphibians along with me! Now with the financial support to attend, I can focus all my energy on my studies and become part of this awesome school!”
- Logan Watkins
In addition to the three Elizabeth McRae scholars, 13 incoming students also earned Distinguished Scholar Awards at this year’s Scholars Day. This award offers a partial scholarship based on merit.
This year’s Distinguished Scholar Award recipients are as follows:
- Isabella Hardy
- Evie Teague
- Emery Morrison
- Corinna Wakefield
- Abigail Keller
- Sarah Keech
- Madison Higley
- Elizabeth Dotts
- Courtni Evans
- Venna Muse
- Kimberly Whitaker
- Lukas Diaz
- Emma Savery
