Angie Merriman

E.B. Kennedy Scholarship Chair Says "The Community Makes the Difference" at Erskine

"It is the community that makes the difference between Erskine and other four-year colleges," said E.B. Kennedy Scholarship Chair Crosland Stuart at a luncheon in the Galloway Center Friday as Erskine welcomed 150 E.B. Kennedy Scholarship semi-finalists and their families for a weekend of interviews and inspiration.

In memory of Dr. E.B. Kennedy, beloved Erskine alumnus, teacher and respected minister, two full scholarships are awarded to high school seniors demonstrating leadership and service in their communities, churches, and schools. The value of each scholarship, over four years, currently exceeds $84,000. Awards are based solely on merit. E.B. Kennedy Scholars must excel in four areas: Christian commitment, scholastic achievement, vigorous outlook and leadership potential.

Stuart told the visiting high school students and their parents that one of the purposes of the E.B. Kennedy Semi-Finals weekend on the Erskine campus is to "give you your first glimpse" of the community that makes a difference on the Due West campus.

Sketching a biography of Dr. E.B. Kennedy, Stuart, who is Kennedy's great-great niece, called Kennedy "a man of virtue" who was known for his patience, Bible scholarship, and command of several languages. At various times, she said, he taught Greek, Latin, French, and "possibly even a little Hebrew and Spanish" during his long career.

In a luncheon program that included Christmas carols sung by the Erskine Chamber Singers, introductions were made by Brandon Martin, senior E.B. Kennedy Scholar, and remarks were delivered by E.B. Kennedy Scholars Elijah Lovejoy, also a senior, and Angie Merriman, who graduated in 1998 and now works as an accountant, as well as by current Erskine student Melanie Adkins.

Lovejoy described his college experience as "four years of contemplation," confessing to being something of a dreamer. He said the E.B. Kennedy Scholarship helped make it possible for him to study for a time in Russia, where he experienced Christian community in a way new to him.

"Think of college as four years of preparation for life, rather than four years of preparation for a high-paying job–that's too narrow and confining," said Lovejoy. He urged students to prepare for "a life of service to God and man."

Advising the semi-finalists to aim high in all their endeavors, Lovejoy recalled the words to a song he learned in childhood–"Little is much when God is in it.

"And much is little when God is not in it," Lovejoy said.

Erskine alumna Angie Merriman called her years at Erskine "the best four years of my life," and characterized the Erskine experience as filled with "friendship, growth and learning."

"What is unique about Erskine is that all your actions and accomplishments are considered," said Merriman. E.B. Kennedy Scholars should "epitomize the kind of student who would bring honor to the memory of E.B. Kennedy."

Current student Melanie Adkins shared her perspective on life at Erskine, telling a little about her own struggle with career plans. Adkins made the decision to become a physician's assistant rather than a physician, after considering other goals, such as the desire to have a family, that are very important to her.

"I receive encouragement daily at Erskine," Adkins said. "My friends and I have shared discussions, prayer and accountability. Erskine has shaped my character."

The semi-finalists participated in interviews and a faculty fair, and enjoyed an evening of karaoke and a movie arranged by the Erskine Entertainment Board Friday night.

The E.B. Kennedy Scholarship Program is funded by the Edward C. Stuart Foundation, Inc., in Bartow and an E.B. Kennedy Scholarship Fund.