A girl stands smiling while holding up a certificate.

What began as an ordinary morning at the LEAD Center quickly turned into a moment no one in the Ray-Pec Teacher Academy will forget.

With friends, family, classmates, and staff gathered, representatives from Park University arrived with news that would change the future of senior Madeline (Maddy) Hodgson. In an emotional surprise announcement, Maddy learned she had been awarded The McAfee Scholarshipโ€”a prestigious full-tuition scholarship to Park University.

The room erupted in cheers as she processed what this meant for her future and her dream of becoming a teacher. Reflecting on the moment, Maddy shared, โ€œI have worked for this my entire high school career, and I feel like it has finally paid off.โ€

The honor recognizes Maddyโ€™s dedication, leadership, character, and passion for making a difference in the classroom and beyond. The Ray-Pec Teacher Academy at the LEAD Center prepares students for careers in education through hands-on learning, mentorship, and real-world experiences.

Moments like this highlight the life-changing opportunities available to Ray-Pec students.

Check out more highlights from this day in the video down below!