Madison Lagasse, a senior at Doddridge County High School, has been selected as a recipient of Fairmont State University’s premier academic scholarship and will have the entirety of her tuition and more paid for by the Charles J. McClain Presidential Scholarship. In addition to tuition, the McClain scholarship covers room and board and provides scholarship awardees with a $500 per semester allowance to purchase textbooks from the Fairmont State Bound for Success bookstore.
To qualify for the scholarship candidates must be high school seniors who have received the PROMISE scholarship, have a high school GPA of 3.5 or higher, score an ACT of 26 or higher or an 1180 SAT, and submit a written essay with their scholarship application. Once selected as a finalist, candidates participate in on-campus interviews with University representatives.
Lagasse will be majoring in biology once she graduates from Doddridge County High School, and would like to go on to become a dermatologist after she completes her time at Fairmont State. Lagasse was drawn to Fairmont State University for its strong reputation in the sciences.
“I am very excited to be a member of the College of Science and Technology and major in biology. This degree will provide me with the necessary preparation for my future career as a doctor,” said Lagasse. “In the future, I plan to attend medical school at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine and eventually become a dermatologist. I’m passionate about this field of medicine and the aspect of spreading skin health awareness.”
While at Doddridge County High School, Lagasse has taken on several leadership and teamwork roles. She is the vice-president of the National Honor Society, vice-president of her class, and is a member of the Leo Club.
Although her studies are a primary focus, Lagasse looks forward to the social and extracurricular activities that take place at Fairmont State.
“At Fairmont State, I intend to include myself in a variety of clubs and organizations to have as much fun as possible!” Lagasse said. “My main goal is to become a member of student government to bring people together on campus.”
“The Charles J. McClain Presidential Scholarship is a blessing I will forever be grateful for. As someone who would have accrued a hefty amount of student debt, I now have the comfort and hope of a more stable future,” Lagasse said. “With this scholarship, I can put my absolute all into every facet of my college experience without worry. I’m determined to make Fairmont State University proud, and my grades will be sure to reflect the gratitude I feel for receiving such an honor.”
Those who are selected for the McClain Scholarship must maintain an overall GPA of 2.75 at the end of their first year. An overall GPA of 3.0 is required for renewal during subsequent years. A minimum of 30 credit hours must be obtained each year of enrollment for renewal. The McClain Scholarship can only be awarded for up to eight semesters.