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Greenville University offers scholarship for being a good person

If you want to be considered for the Panther Preferred scholarship next year, you need to get your application in by Tuesday

GREENVILLE, Ill. — The Panther Preferred Scholarship is awarded to Greenville University students who show great character and service to the community. The Illinois college wanted to provide a different reward for students who stand out in the community, not necessarily the classroom.

“Maybe they worked in their church youth groups or mission trips,” President Ivan Filby, Greenville University said. “Maybe they worked in the Jackie Joyner Kersee, maybe they are doing something that sets them apart that says life isn't just about me.”

He’s trying different methods to bring unique students to campus.

“These aren't also-ran students,” the president said. “They are leaders in our classrooms who have now been given this secret sauce to help them thrive.”

Greenville’s Tuition is around $30,000.

The Panther Prefered scholarship pays out:

  • 100 - $18,000 scholarships
  • 50- $17,000 scholarships
  • 50 - $16,000 scholarships

Although the scholarship requirements don’t factor grades, students must maintain a decent GPA.

Freshman Zander Shaw is excited that this scholarship will help him fulfill his dream.

“It was great to learn that the university I was going to has a character scholarship,” Shaw said. “That doesn't look at you as a person with grades but just as a person.”

His freshman year is special after overcoming adversity early in high school.

“I felt like nothing because my school told me I was nothing,” Shaw said.

Days before stepping onto campus he found his path, with a little help from above.

“My plans were changed about a month before I got here. The Lord woke me at 4:40 a.m. and said I have a campus and I need you to go into ministry,” the freshman track athlete said.

Fellow athlete Paige Bennett is on the Lady Panther Basketball team. As a shooting guard, she is always looking to score. Off the court, she knows the importance of dishing out help.

“What I have been blessed with, I need to give back to those who need it,” the freshman said.

She’s been on eight mission trips before college. Being a Panther Preferred scholar just means more.

“Yes an academic scholarship sounds good, but I wanted something that will build me as a character (something) more than just money,” she said.

Entrepreneurs, doctors, musicians, all have come through Greenville.

It’s a special University with caring students who are cherished fro trying to make a difference in the world.

The deadline to apply for the Panther Preferred scholarship next year is Tuesday, November 26.

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