Imagine entering college with a full tuition scholarship – giving you the ability to explore without financial burden. That dream is a reality for Meridian High School students thanks to the Dell and Evelyn Carroll Scholarship.
“Having free tuition gave me so much freedom. I’m very indecisive, but I’m also a hard worker. I was working hard at my different classes while learning what I was interested in. It helped me get to where I am today,” said Zach Harper, a former Meridian High School and Richland student.
Because of the Carroll Scholarship, Zach and his older brother Nick both transferred to Richland after graduating Meridian High School.
“[The scholarship] began when I was in high school, and it was a huge deal. I knew going to Richland was my plan,” said Nick. “It was an easy transition. I took dual credit in high school, so I had a couple classes already finished. Class sizes were small. I didn’t have to move away or make any major life changes.”
Both Nick and Zach received an associate in arts at Richland and went to Millikin University. There, Nick earned his master’s in business administration, and Zach earned a bachelor’s in philosophy and communication.
Once they completed their degrees, Nick and Zach felt a pull to work in education. Nick is now Richland’s Career & Technical Education Coordinator, and Zach is a Literacy Coordinator with Project Read Plus. When asked why they came back to Richland, they both said they felt a need to help.
“I [would read] all the time as a communication/philosophy major and in my spare time too throughout college,” Zach said. “I really like the idea of opening [students] up to how fun reading can be and how life changing reading as a hobby can be.”
“As soon as I graduated with a bachelor’s degree, I knew I wanted to work at a college,” Nick said. “It’s so rewarding being able to work with counselors who helped you and helping people in the community you’re from. Every once in a while, I’ll see someone I know. I even gave a tour to a Meridian student last spring who was related to someone I graduated with. It’s such a great feeling.”
If you or someone you know is interested in applying for the Carroll Scholarship, Nick will be at Meridian Family Night on March 19, 2025, to answer every question you may have. The event will be held in Richland’s Shilling Auditorium from 6 PM to 7:30 PM.
So far, the Carroll scholarship has given over $1 million to fund the educations of Meridian students. To learn more and apply, go here: Dell and Evelyn Carroll Scholarship.