Savannah Hendrich, recipient of the 2018 Great Commoner Essay Competition Scholarship
Savannah Hendrich from Maryville, Tn. was awarded a full-tuition scholarship to Bryan College. Ms. Hendrich is the 2018 winner of the Bryan College Great Commoner Essay Competition.
Ms. Hendrich expressed her excitement about attending Bryan, and her gratitude to God for the opportunity. She said her decision to attend Bryan was heavily influenced by the Christian focus of the college.
“I love that Bryan puts Christ first and is very missions-minded,” said Ms. Hendrick. “As I have been pursuing pre-med, I am encouraged that Bryan College will help me to work to share the Gospel wherever I am. Bryan College’s close-knit community is also very important to me. It is comforting to know that I will be in an environment that seeks to honor Christ and grow closer to Him, even among academic pressure and busy schedules. Together, we can grow closer to Christ. I am also excited that Bryan College views science from the perspective of Creationism. I have been very interested in the scientific proof for Creationism, and how it points to God’s glory, since I was young. I really like Bryan’s surrounding town, Dayton. Because of its beauty, small-town feel, and rich history, I am excited to be a part of this community.”
The essay contest was first held in 2016 and takes place each year on the Bryan College campus. Students are given an essay prompt and have two hours to write their essay. Submissions are then read and judged by a panel of Bryan College faculty. This year’s prompt called on the historic martyr, Patrick Hamilton, and his role in the Scottish Reformation. Students were asked to consider the role faith in Christ plays in the lives of high schoolers and their own development in their formative college years.
“Savannah has the ability to think deeply, express herself thoroughly, and, like Mr. Bryan himself, to do it in a manner that moves her audience,” said Dr. Raymond Legg, professor of English and essay competition judge.
Ms. Hendrich was one of 87 high school seniors who competed in this year’s competition. The competition was held as part of a two day scholarship event during which students and their families get to experience life at Bryan College. Students toured the school; visited with faculty, staff and students; spent the night in the dorms and interviewed or auditioned for other available scholarships.
The event is by invitation only and students must be accepted to the college and meet specific GPA and entrance exam requirements. Ms. Hendrich is the third recipient of the Bryan College Great Commoner Essay Competition scholarship.