Makayla Wilson, a 2025 Cum Laude graduate of Blytheville High School, received over $1.4 million in scholarship offers. Wilson finished fourth in her class keeping up with her studies along with her numerous extracurricular activities.
She was confident that she would receive some of the scholarships she applied for but she was surprised at the total.
Wilson started applying for local and non-local scholarships last July.
Some of the most monetary scholarships offered to Makayla included one from the University of Missouri in Columbia for $86,000 and one from Agnes College for over $100,000.
She considered every scholarship offer and did her research. At the end of the day, Wilson decided to stay a little closer to home and go to the University of Arkansas.
“I really liked the campus and the area,” she said.
Some of the local scholarships she received include Nucor, the Arkansas Challenge, and Tenaris’ Roberto Rocca.
Wilson has taken a leadership role throughout her high school career. She served as chair for the Student interviews in the search for a new superintendent, president of the French Club, was in the Beta Club, the Tardy Club (a student advocacy group), student council representative, FBLA president, Honor Society vice president, vice president of the National Honor Society, reporter for FFA, and Interact Club. She was also selected to attend Girls State between her junior and senior year.
She also volunteers throughout the community and some of her favorite volunteer hours are spent working with The Lights of the Delta and Relay for Life.
She enjoyed serving as the senior editor on the Year Book staff.
“Staying busy keeps you focused and productive,” Wilson said. “My parents and teachers have been very supportive and encouraging. A friend of mine, Gatsby Langston, graduated last year. She inspired me to start early applying for scholarships. Last year she received $3 million in scholarship offers. Some of my teachers who have been very encouraging include Candace Groves, Joy Wicker, Robilyn Key and Coach Jeff Echols.”
She is the daughter of Michael and Marangeli Wilson. Her dad works at Nucor and her mother is a homemaker.
Her younger sister, Micah, will be a senior this year and she expects her to do great in her scholarship search.
Through her service in Rotary leadership, as well as local and state offices in FFA and FBLA, she has met some wonderful people.
“I love meeting new people and learning new things,” Wilson said. “I am looking forward to starting my college journey.”
She plans to major in psychology and minor in communications.
