YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. – Young Harris College junior Hannah Walker of Cumming, Ga., was recently awarded the Beverly Barrow Woodward, ’53, Endowed Scholarship, established by Leonard and Beverly Woodward of Rome, Ga., and granted annually to one YHC student to study abroad in England at Harlaxton College.
Walker is majoring in environmental science and minoring in chemistry. After graduating from YHC in 2020, she hopes to pursue a master’s or doctorate in environmental science. Walker aspires to have a career that is hands-on with the environment, and she is already gaining experience. This past summer, Walker interned for an aquaponics farm that operates in coordination with Meals by Grace and Fill Ministries. Aquaponics is a sustainable method of raising both fish and vegetables.
On the YHC campus, Walker serves as Golden Key Honour Society vice president and Rotaract secretary. She is part of the Honors Program, Scholars Consortium and SOLE (Student Opportunities for Leadership through Engagement) program. She plays on the YHC women’s golf team and represents the sport on the YHC Student Athletic Advisory Committee.
“I am very grateful for the opportunity to represent Young Harris College and the Woodward Endowed Scholarship to study abroad at Harlaxton College,” said Walker. “I am excited to experience a new learning environment and interact with students from around the world.”
Walker was awarded the scholarship from an impressive pool of applicants. Criteria for the Woodward Scholarship include a strong academic record, a compelling application essay and a successful interview that convinces the committee that the student is mature and resourceful enough to have a rich educational experience and be an excellent ambassador of YHC.
The selection committee was chaired by Dr. Matt Bruen and included Dr. Karynne Kleine, Dr. Ruth Looper, Dr. Claudie Massicotte, Chelsea Rathburn, Dr. Drew Sieg, Dr. Mary Slavkin, Dr. Caley Smith and Dr. Amanda Song.
“My Young Harris College colleagues and I are so thankful for the Woodward family, whose generosity makes this extraordinary opportunity possible for students like Hannah,” said selection committee member Dr. Ruth Looper. “Hannah is an exceptionally bright young woman whose academic record, application essay and interview demonstrated lively intellectual curiosity, the capacity for hard work, resilience, thoughtfulness and good humor.”
While studying abroad at Harlaxton College, Walker is interested in taking a course called Living World Religions. The course will give her an opportunity to see religious sites as the class studies the origin, development, literature and controlling ideas of major world religions.
“Every time I travel, I discover something new about the world and myself,” said Walker, who traveled abroad and participated in educational activities in Costa Rica when she was a junior in high school. “Interacting with and understanding a variety of cultures broadens my worldview and allows me to view international education systems in action.”
Walker will travel to other locations in Europe while studying at Harlaxton College. She plans to visit a YHC alumnus who is teaching English in Spain. She also plans to take advantage of trips offered through Harlaxton College to visit London, Cambridge, Paris and Edinburgh.
About Young Harris College
Young Harris College is a private baccalaureate and master’s degree-granting institution located in the beautiful mountains of North Georgia. Founded in 1886 and historically affiliated with The United Methodist Church, Young Harris College educates, inspires and empowers students through an education that purposefully integrates the liberal arts and professional studies. The College has three academic divisions: Arts and Humanities, Professional Studies, and Mathematics, Science and Technology, with more than 1,400 students enrolled in its residential and Early College programs. The historic campus in Young Harris, Ga. has completed major campus improvements to accommodate the College’s growth. LEED-certified campus improvements include the 121,000-square-foot Rollins Campus Center, residence facilities and a 57,000-square-foot recreation and fitness center. The College is an active member of the NCAA Division II and remains a fierce competitor in the prestigious Peach Belt Conference. For more information, visit yhc.edu.
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