Penn Student Awarded Scholarship in National Contest
William Penn University
It is no secret that William Penn University has many shining student-athletes, but there are a number of students that are excelling in areas beyond the court, track, and field. Keri Beener, a junior from Monroe, IA, recently received one of five scholarships after she submitted a 350-word essay in a national contest about a moment of reuniting with friends or loved ones.
The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) sponsored the contest put on by Jet magazine and the NBC Universal film “The Best Man Holiday”. Participants were asked to submit essays that could be used as a scene in the film. Five scholarships were awarded to students attending an accredited college or university in the United States with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Only US citizens or legal permanent residents were eligible for this scholarship. The five lucky winners each received a scholarship of $1,760 in the spring.
Beener submitted her essay about reuniting with her family and boyfriend after touring the country with the Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps for three months. In the piece, she described how bittersweet it was to say goodbye to her best friends in Phantom Regiment to reunite with her family.
Beener is a member of the color guard in the Pride of Penn Marching Band and a Communication major with an emphasis in English. Several factors influenced her decision to become a Statesman; including the scholarship she was offered. She also noted that both her parents attended William Penn, and she liked that the Oskaloosa campus was a close 30-minute drive from home and family. With only one year left at Penn, Beener plans to continue her education after graduation to pursue her master’s degree.
William Penn University in Oskaloosa, Iowa offers both post-secondary and adult education programs. Founded by Quakers in 1873, we strive to provide a vibrant learning community where all students grow intellectually, socially, and spiritually through academic, creative and athletic pursuits.
