By ROWENA PLETT

Staff writer

Centre senior Brooklyn Smith 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 a semester and is renewable for eight semesters and can even be extended to cover post-graduate studies.

“I am so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the Hagan foundation,” she said. Tuesday “I was ecstatic when I found out I was a finalist, but to receive the scholarship is just so incredible. I definitely have never felt more excited and honored.”

She found out about the Hagan Scholarship through Centre counselor, Maranda McMichael.

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

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

Brooklyn plans to attend the University of Kansas this fall to study health sciences with a possible minor in a foreign language.

She plans to go to medical school after getting her degree.

She currently works at Parkside Homes and Salem Home in Hillsboro as a certified nursing assistant, soon to be certified medical assistant.

Her grade-point average is 3.9.

Eldon and Kim Smith of Ramona are her parents.