For the 13th consecutive year, the local Beta Rho Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma International is providing four $500 scholarships to local high school senior females who plan to pursue a college degree in education.

This local group of professional educators is pleased to encourage and support young ladies — our country’s future teachers. This year, three seniors from Ben’s Ford Christian School, and a senior from Franklinton High School, will receive a scholarship for $500 each, to be used toward their educational pursuits.

 

Vania Aguilar — Ben’s Ford Christian School

One very deserving young lady is Vania Aguilar from Ben’s Ford Christian School. She is the daughter of Juan and Lorena Aguilar. Aguilar has been getting practical experience for her future as an educator. She has been volunteering as a teacher’s aide as well as tutoring in math, science and Spanish. These activities have her thoughts of becoming a teacher increasingly clear more each day. Aguilar is an honest, hard worker who is eager to learn new techniques to improve her skills as an educator.

At BFCS, she is very active in the Beta Club, the National Honor Society, and the MAIS Honor Club. She was enrolled in dual enrollment classes with Southeastern Louisiana University. She plans to attend Southeastern in the fall of 2017 to prepare herself to become a teacher.

“By teaching, I will provide my knowledge and dedication to the children and their parents,” she said. “In return, teaching will give me a place to grow intellectually and creatively, and a group of people whose growth will provide me with a great sense of reward.”

 

Kayla McGee — Ben’s Ford Christian School

A second recipient this year is Kayla Ashley McGee from Ben’s Ford Christian School. She is the daughter of Bobby McGee and Stacey Graham. She graduated with a 4.0 grade-point average. She was enrolled in Southeastern Louisiana University’s dual enrollment classes, in which she received 27 college credit-hours.

McGee served as treasurer of her graduating class. She was a member of the Beta Club, MAIS Honor Club and the National Society of High School Scholars. She also served as the president of the National Honor Society.

She attended Girls State and will be returning as a counselor this summer. She is also the reigning queen of the Washington Parish Fair. She was a five-year member of the BFCS cheerleading squad and a four-year member of the basketball team. She has played the piano for 11 years.

McGee’s teachers have said that she is reliable, determined and dedicated to any and all of the tasks she is given. She is a six-year member of Ben’s Ford Baptist Church’s Teen Refuge Group. She plans to attend the University of Louisiana in Lafayette to pursue a degree in teaching high school English.

“I want to become a teacher so I can share the love and passion I have for English with my students,” McGee said. “I will leave an impact on my students that will make them become teachers as well.”

 

Destiny Richardson — Franklinton High School

A third recipient is Destiny Micah Richardson from Franklinton High School. She is the daughter of Dywan Richardson and Keisha Ward.

Richardson has had many leadership roles at FHS. They include National Beta Club, National Honors Society, Interact Club member, student council, 4-H, and National Technical Honor’s Society. Each of these organizations focuses on serving the community. She has also volunteered at the Mile Branch Settlement, the Sheriff’s Thanksgiving dinner, Special Olympics, and the Rotary booth at the fair.

She intends to pursue a degree in art education at Southeastern Louisiana University in the fall of 2018. She maintained a grade-point average of 4.32 while taking three dual enrollment courses.

Richardson’s teachers say, “She never procrastinates and eagerly tackles any assignment given.”

Richardson feels as though this major will enable her to not only use her talents as a career, but also to help others.

 

Abigayle Strahan — Ben’s Ford Christian School

A fourth recipient is Abigayle Elizabeth Strahan from Ben’s Ford Christian School. She is the daughter of Christopher Strahan and Kristie Phelps Pittman.

Abigayle was an active member in the Beta Club, the National Honor Society as secretary, and the MAIS Honor Club. She was a BFCS cheerleader, 2017 Miss Dixie in the Paper Queen contest, and participated in a trunk-or-treat activity and a mission trip with her church, Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church.

She maintained a 4.0 grade-point average while taking several dual enrollment courses through Southeastern Louisiana University.

Strahan’s teachers say, “Her intelligence, leadership, service, discipline and hard work will help her rise to any challenge that she must face.” Her main goal in teaching is to make sure every child gets help and encouragement in every way possible while sitting in her classroom.

“I look forward to impacting lives through teaching our youth,” she said.

 

All four of these young ladies have prepared themselves well for college. They chose college preparatory classes and worked hard to achieve high grade-point averages. They all have high scores on the ACT test. They already have a passion for working with children, and are excited about preparing for their own careers. The Beta Rho Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma International is pleased to award these deserving young ladies a monetary gift to support their pursuits.

Good teachers and superior education are important keys to the future of our children and our nation. The chapter wishes these ladies great success in their careers.