JACKSONVILLE — A Jacksonville high school senior was surprised this week with a full scholarship to Jacksonville State University, covering tuition and housing for the duration of her undergraduate enrollment, JSU officials confirmed.
The student was surprised at a school event. People were present. She did not know the scholarship was coming. This has been confirmed by multiple attendees who were aware the scholarship was coming and therefore could confirm she did not know.
The scholarship covers tuition, which is the cost of instruction, and housing, which is a separate cost. Together they constitute two of the primary costs associated with attending a university. Additional costs, such as textbooks and meals, were not specified in the announcement.
The student indicated she plans to attend Jacksonville State University. JSU is the institution that issued the scholarship. Her decision to attend JSU is therefore consistent with the scholarship's terms, which are specific to JSU.
"I didn't expect it," she said, according to an attendee present at the surprise.
She was asked whether she had expected it.
"No," she said. This confirmed the earlier characterization.
Jacksonville State University is located in Jacksonville, Alabama, approximately four miles from the high school where the announcement was made. The student was unavailable for extended comment, as she was still at the event when this reporter filed. She appeared to be in good spirits, which is consistent with having been awarded a full scholarship.
JSU did not indicate how many scholarships of this type are awarded annually. This reporter has requested the number. A response has not been received.
