Three Rivers College students Johnny Boham and Zoreonta Moore are recipients of the merit-based Purdy Emerging Leaders Scholarship. The scholarship is renewable for up to three years.
Boham, a native of Indianapolis, was awarded $5,000 toward earning dual degrees: an associate of science in pre-engineering and an associate of arts in English. The sophomore student is a member of ACHIEVE and participated in the Student Leadership Academy. He has been a peer tutor with the ACHIEVE program for Math, Science, and English and is currently a college work-study tutor with the Tutor and Learning Center. He is working toward becoming an engineer and plans to transfer to either Missouri S&T or a Florida university.
“Johnny is a very diligent student and shows exemplary leadership qualities,” Tutor Specialist Matthew Dowd said. “I’m very proud to know that he received this scholarship. I know he will go on to do great things with his education, and this scholarship will help him reach his goals.”
Moore, who is pursuing an associate of arts in business administration, received $2,500 to further her education. She is a native of Charleston, Missouri, and in her second year at Three Rivers. She works as a peer mentor for the ACHIEVE program, serves as a student ambassador, and participates in the Student Leadership Academy. After earning her associate degree, she plans to work toward becoming a lawyer.
“Zoreonta is incredibly determined to achieve success,” said Karen Holman, Project Academic Advisor for ACHIEVE. “She is passionate not only about earning her degree but about helping others succeed as well. I’m glad that her leadership and tenacity are being recognized with this scholarship.”
The Purdy Emerging Leaders Scholarship is provided through the Missouri Scholarship and Loan Foundation. Selected students demonstrate leadership skills, positive character, and strong academic performance. A cumulative GPA of 2.5 is required for the scholarship. Selection criteria also considers work ethic and a desire to positively contribute to society.
The students applied for the scholarships through ACHIEVE, a federal TRiO student support services program designed to support first-generation and low-income students, as well as students registered with Disability Services. The program provides tutoring, grant aid, and more for 250 students who attend Three Rivers College.
“It is exciting to see our students in the ACHIEVE program rewarded for their hard work in the classroom and motivated to be debt free by applying for scholarships and grants,” ACHIEVE Director Larry Todd Allen said. “Our students can compete on every level with students at other colleges and universities while staying close to home, lowering their expenses for college. In many cases, they save for when they transfer to other institutions. These students exemplify the motivation to work and study hard to make their dreams come true.”
Three Rivers College is committed to contributing to the quality of life in Southeast Missouri with quality, affordable higher education opportunities and community services that support and encourage the economic, civic, and cultural vitality of the region. For more information about college and workforce programs and upcoming events, visit trcc.edu.
