The Kansas Independent College Fund announced Christina Ward, of Bonner Springs, Kan., as this year’s recipient of the Recognition Scholarship.
She is a student at the University of Saint Mary, Leavenworth.
The annual $2,500 scholarship is awarded to a student from one of the 18 nonprofit, private colleges across Kansas. Scholarship recipients must be academically strong, while also actively involved in their community—and Ward is just that.
“In my 20 years of teaching, I would place Christina in the top five percent of students,” said David Greene, chair of USM’s department of behavioral sciences and co-director of USM’s psychology program. Ward carries a perfect 4.0 cumulative grade-point average as a biology and psychology double major (minoring in chemistry) and is expected to graduate this December. Ward plans to continue her studies, pursuing her interest in biochemistry research.
Ward also gives her time to both USM and her community. She helps manage USM’s growing recycling program; she is actively involved USM’s Science and Mathematics Club, where she’s always the first to volunteer for local events, such as Science Night at the Kansas City Zoo.
This past summer, Ward raised funds to take a two-week International Service Learning trip to Costa Rica. Along with eight others, she helped assess, diagnose, and treat locals with physical and cognitive impairments in their homes, the local nursing home, and at a portable physical therapy clinic.
“I can’t think of a better student to receive this award. We are so proud of Christina. She gives her all to everything she does and serves as such a great role model to students across the USM campus,” said Caroline Mackintosh, chair of USM’s department of natural sciences and mathematics. “Christina is a stand-out in the classroom and is dedicated to making a difference in our community. She has a bright future ahead of her, and I look forward to seeing all her success.”