Walker Kimes of Greenwood has received a $1,000 scholarship for being named one of two top “Christian leaders of the Future” by Metro Christian Living magazine of Jackson.
The Pillow Academy senior was selected out of more than 100 applicants from 45 schools. The application required answers to essay questions about applying Christian principles to everyday life.
Kimes, the daughter of Kirk and Darla Kimes, said she was very surprised to win.
“My grandmother, Libby Lubas Walker, saw the opportunity in the magazine and told me I should do it. I am applying for as many scholarships as possible, so I filled it out,” she said.
She was notified she had been selected as one of 25 finalists and was invited with her family to go to Belhaven University in Jackson for workshops on leadership and a reception.
“We went to the final ceremony to hear them announce the winners,” she said. “They started reading from my essay. My heart was beating so fast. I was so nervous. I couldn’t believe it. We were thinking there was no way I could get it.”
Kimes said her faith and integrity are very important to her. “I try to be the same person on Friday and Saturday nights as I am on Sunday morning.”
After graduation, Kimes plans to attend Mississippi State University. “I’m not sure about my future plans, but right now I would like to be a speech pathologist, working with communicative disorders,” she said.
If that plan sticks, she may transfer to the University of Mississippi for her final two years.
Kimes, who has a grade-point average of 4.4, also has participated in many clubs and extracurricular activities.
She is currently working on the school play. She has also excelled at sports, particularly basketball, and she plays on the tennis team.
Her favorite school subjects this year are advanced biology and economics.
Kimes said she loves to be around people, and the competition experience was worth more than just the winning of the scholarship. “It was an honor to be in the presence of all of these people.”
