Cape Central senior awarded Presidential Scholarship to Southeast MO State University

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) – A Cape Central senior was surprised when she was awarded a full ride to Southeast Missouri State University.

Cape Central High senior Madison Phelps was awarded the President’s Scholarship to attend Southeast Missouri State University.

She has a 4.2 grade point average and ranks fourth in her graduating class at CHS.

Phelps was one of just five students selected out of a pool of more than 400 applicants.

“It means a lot to me. It was hard to tell if I was going to get it,” Madison said after being surprised by representatives from SEMO, her parents, friends, and a group of CHS staff members at the school Thursday morning.

The scholarship is valued at $10,000. It grows in value each year it is renewed for a four-year value of $43,000.

Before her scholarship surprise, Madison was concerned about balancing work with school.

Now she will have more time to focus on academics and getting involved on campus.

“I can join clubs, do intramural sports, and maybe become a leader at SEMO,” she said.

Madison is also involved with Student Senate, Beta Club, National Honors Society, Knowledge Bowl, Volleyball, Soccer, Swimming & Diving, and is a leader in the school’s pep club.

Her diverse resume helped Madison stand out in such a competitive field of applicants.

“She spoke with such poise about all of her experiences. It’s so wonderful to see such a well-rounded individual in a pool like this,” said Katie Krodinger, Director of New Student Programs. “We did 125 interviews. She just really rose to the top when it came to looking at that full package of academics, being engaged, and leadership qualities. She’s the exact type of student we want on campus at SEMO.”

Madison plans to major in biomedical sciences at SEMO. She wants to become a dentist. Madison credits CHS ELA instructor Taylor Bryant for encouraging her to go after the SEMO President’s Scholarship.

“I wasn’t actually going to apply for it because I didn’t think I was eligible and I didn’t think I was going to get it until Ms. Bryant told me to apply,” said Phelps.