Watonga Grads Earn UCO Scholarships

The University of Central Oklahoma recently awarded the Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship to Watonga High School graduates Lavender Cisneros and Eden Waggoner in recognition of their demonstrated talent and distinguished achievement in leadership, citizenship, service and communication.

Cisneros and Waggoner, both members of the graduating Class of 2020 at Watonga High School, are among 56 students chosen for the scholarship from the 210 finalists who were interviewed by Central faculty and staff leaders for the university’s leadership scholarship programs.

Cisneros and Waggoner will receive a tuition waiver for nine hours of classes each semester, a $1,250 yearly stipend for room and board and a one-time $1,000 global and service stipend.

The global and service stipend can be used to offset the cost of studying abroad or participating in one of UCO’s global and service leadership tours. The stipend furthers UCO’s deep commitment to global and cultural competencies for its students.

“UCO’s leadership scholarship programs include students from across the state of Oklahoma who have displayed tremendous investment in their communities and leadership development. Our recipients were chosen from over 1,400 applicants, and we are excited they will continue their leadership and professional development at UCO,” said Jarrett Jobe, Ph.D., assistant vice president of student leadership at Central.

“These students will have tremendous impact on each academic college, numerous student organizations and the metro community through innovative and intentional programs.”

Leaders of Tomorrow members must be enrolled as full-time students, complete volunteer service each semester through Central’s Volunteer and Service Learning Center, be a member of at least one campus student organization and write a response paper each semester. Members also attend monthly council meetings to discuss individual projects, volunteer opportunities and to plan and organize campus activities.

Freshmen Leaders of Tomorrow members also enroll in Central’s annual fall leadership class “Lessons in Leadership,” where students hear from state and national leaders who share their unique experiences and offer insights about leadership and work in teams to complete service projects.

For more information about the University of Central Oklahoma, visit www.uco.edu.

Connie Burcham can be reached at Editor@WatongaRepublican.com