By PHYLLIS ZORN

Staff writer

Marion senior Mia Spencer has won a prestigious scholarship that could provide up to $60,000 over eight semesters, allowing her to graduate from college debt-free.

The nationwide Hagan Scholarship, based on merit and need, provides $7,500 for up to eight semesters and can be extended to cover post-graduate studies.

“I learned about the Hagan Scholarship through Mr. (Max) Venable, our high school counselor,” Mia said. “He helped me throughout the entire process, and I couldn’t have received this scholarship without his help.”

Recipients are mainly from rural areas in six central states. They are selected based on academic ability, achievement in and out of school, personal goals, and future promise.

Students may major in any field and attend any traditional four-year college or university.

Besides financial aid, Hagan Scholarships provides students with practical understanding of important life skills not typically covered in the school curriculum by providing free workshops, brokerage accounts, and study abroad.

Mia has maintained a 4.0 grade-point average throughout high school.

Scholarship applicants must authenticate genuine financial need, must have attended a traditional public high school governed by a school district, and must work while in school.

Mia works at Arlie’s Collision Specialists and is doing work study in accounting at St. Luke Hospital.

She plans to major in accounting at Kansas State University.

Hagan Scholars graduating from college while in the Hagan Scholarship Program can apply for a Hagan Graduate Scholarship, good for up to four additional semesters.

Mia is the second Marion County student to receive a Hagan scholarship this year. Centre senior Brooklyn Smith earlier was announced as a winner.

Jenna Hinerman of Hillsboro was a winner in 2019.