Each winter, we invite high school seniors whose households receive service from MEC to apply for one of four $1,000 college scholarships. Awards are based on a video essay as well as academic performance, extra-curricular activities, community involvement, employment and/or honors/awards.
In 2019, we challenged scholarship applicants to submit a video telling us what they would put in a time capsule to be opened in 2029.
Meet Megan
As the valedictorian of her class at Lawton High School, Megan Dopheide exemplifies what hard work and dedication can achieve. She took every honors and AP class available to her while keeping busy with many extracurricular activities. She is well suited for her next adventure at Ferris State University.
An avid athlete, she was one of the highest scorers on her varsity basketball team in 2018 and served as team captain in 2019. She was also captain of the track team and will run track and cross country at Ferris State. “My favorite sport is whatever one I'm currently playing. I love being part of team and challenging myself,” she said. “Additionally, serving as team captain gave me the opportunity to enhance my leadership skills and take on additional responsibilities.”
In addition to athletics, Megan was a member of the National Honor Society, the National Art Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society and her school's environmental club, Green Club. She also served as Student Council President and Student Class President. Finally, she was President of Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), tutored math and mentored incoming freshmen. “Being a freshman mentor was fun because I got to interact with kids I normally wouldn't have and I got to engage with some of my friends' younger siblings,” she noted.
While her resume is impressive on its own, it's her attitude that is truly admirable. “Everyone can be kind. There is so much division in our country right now so I love serving as a positive influence to the people around me. The world really needs that right now,” she said. “It starts with us, our communities and our schools.”
She has some advice for kids gearing up for their high school careers: “Be true to yourself. Some people in high school will try to get you down. Just stick to who you are and what you want to be.”
Congrats Megan!