Schexnaydre, Vaughn win national Mu Alpha Theta scholarships

Benson Schexnaydre Olivia Vaughn

Copiah-Lincoln Community College sophomores Benson Schexnaydre of McCall Creek and Olivia Vaughn of Union Church have each won a $4,000 scholarship awarded by the national mathematics honor society Mu Alpha Theta. Only three community college students in the nation were selected for the prestigious scholarship to be used at the university of their choosing.

"Benson is a dedicated and hardworking pre-engineering/pre-med major. A passionate chess player, he brings the same strategic mindset and discipline to his academic pursuits and campus life," said Eddie Britt, Co-Lin Mu Alpha Theta chapter advisor and mathematics/computer science division chair. "Benson demonstrates a strong commitment to service through his involvement with Operation Christmas Child, campus trash pickups, and his overall dedication to the Co-Lin community. His academic excellence, leadership, and genuine care for others make him a standout representative of Mu Alpha Theta's values."

During his time at Co-Lin, Schexnaydre has served as Treasurer of Mu Alpha Theta, Public Affairs Officer for Co-Lin C.A.R.E.S, was selected as Campus Favorite and to Who's Who at Co-Lin, and was recently inducted into the college's Hall of Fame. He is a member of the Alpha Omega Science Club, Phi Theta Kappa, Future Business Leaders of America, Honors College, Baptist Student Union, Trailblazers, Chess Club, and Wolf Pack Strong. In addition, Schexnaydre is a six-time Mississippi Chess Champion and U.S. Chess Master.

After Co-Lin, he plans to attend Mississippi State University to earn a degree in biomedical engineering and attend medical school with plans to become a physician.

"As former President of Mu Alpha Theta, Olivia demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication, academic excellence, and a passion for promoting mathematics and STEM among her peers," said Britt. "Her strong work ethic and commitment to excellence have distinguished her as an outstanding student and a role model within the Mu Alpha Theta community."

Vaughn's commitment to serving as a student leader is evident in her role as President of Mu Alpha Theta, President of the Trailblazers, Vice President of the Student Government Association, and Treasurer of Co-Lin C.A.R.E.S. She is a member of the Alpha Omega Science Club, Wolf Pack Strong, Council of Presidents, Phi Theta Kappa, Honors College, Future Business Leaders of America, and the Blue Wave Show Band. She was selected as a Campus Favorite, to Who's Who at Co-Lin, and was recently inducted into the college's Hall of Fame.

A mechanical engineering major, Vaughn plans to continue her education at Mississippi State University to earn her engineering degree with a minor in geosciences with a meteorology concentration.