WINONA LAKE –  Grace College announced Lydia Ringer, of Trafalgar, as the 2025 full-tuition President’s Scholarship recipient.
Ringer was notified of her award Feb. 28, when she was presented with a check during a surprise visit from Grace’s admissions team and her family in the middle of the school day, according to a news release from Grace College.
“I am beyond grateful for this opportunity,” said Ringer. “I knew going into it that God had a plan for whoever won this scholarship. I was praying for that person and what they could do with this kind of blessing. I am truly shocked that person is me. I am so thankful for the support I have in my life from family, friends and now an amazing college community. I continue to pray for God's plans for me and my future at Grace.”
Presidential Scholarship Days, an annual competition for high-achieving high school seniors, awards nearly $2 million in scholarships. These days are one facet of Grace College's robust financial aid program, which provides institutional financial aid to 100% of its students, with more than 20% attending tuition-free. This year, the scholarship days transpired on four different Fridays throughout the year.
Ringer first heard about Grace through her older brothers, Caden and Carson, both of whom have attended Grace.
“I was able to visit with them and have been on campus several times to hang out,” said Ringer. “The school's welcoming atmosphere and strong Christian values led me to apply.”
Ringer plans on studying child psychology and taking advantage of the school’s accelerated bachelor’s and master’s degree to earn an MBA as well.
“Through my experience as a developmental swim coach, I realized that people, specifically kids, with behavioral issues were important to me,” said Ringer. “I was able to student teach with one of our elementary school’s fantastic behavioral teachers, Benni Burgett, who has inspired me in my desired profession.”
After gaining experience as a behavioral specialist, Ringer hopes to open her own Christian-based home for children with behavioral struggles.
Presidential Scholarship Days are for students who meet two or more of the following criteria: 3.75 GPA, top 20% class rank and 1230 SAT or 26 ACT. Larger scholarships range from $17,000 per year to full tuition, and all attendees receive a minimum of $1,000 per year added to their generous merit scholarships.
This year’s 338 competing scholars came from 20 states and six foreign countries.
The event schedule kicks off with an optional lunch and a campus tour. The scholars are officially welcomed at the presidential welcome and panel before participating in 15-minute interviews with Grace College professors. The day wraps up with academic group meetings.
For more information about financial aid and scholarships available at Grace College, visit www.grace.edu/admissions, call 866-974-7223 or email [email protected].