Mayhan awarded $2,500 scholarship
Madison Central High School graduate Kelsey Mayhan is the winner of C-Spire’s Junior Ambassador Scholarship.
The $2,500 award celebrates Mayhan’s dedication to volunteering with Madison the City Chamber of Commerce during her junior and senior years. In her award-winning essay, she thanked the Chamber for the opportunities and personal growth provided to her.
“The Junior Ambassador program has changed me for the better and helped make me who I am today. The program has helped me discover my passions in life, taught me how to be a leader and has inspired me to contribute to the betterment of the City of Madison,” she said.
“Helping the Chamber of Commerce specifically bring joy to our citizens has most definitely been an experience I will never forget and truly has inspired me to really make service and volunteerism a major part of my life,” the daughter of Anthony and Megan Mayhan said.
The Junior Ambassador program provides high school students with a close look at how the Chamber of Commerce works in the community and the role it plays with Madison’s businesses. The program provides educational and social events, in addition to service projects for high school students who develop abilities and skills to become responsible participants in the community.
“We are so proud of Kelsey’s service with our Junior Ambassadors. She was always ready to learn more about Madison and our businesses. She attended ribbon-cuttings, was among the first to volunteer for Chamber events and worked tirelessly at activities like Madison Night Out and others,” Chamber Executive Director Elizabeth Tyler said. “The C-Spire scholarship is well-deserved.”
Mayhan, who has long held an interest in politics, will attend the University of Mississippi for her undergraduate degree to major in economics and political science. She plans on attending law school “and then returning to Madison eventually to run for the seat of mayor.”
“I hope to one day achieve this position so I can help continue to spur the growth of our community and work with the Chamber of Commerce to specifically bring new businesses to Madison and promote a kind and welcoming city for our citizens and visitors alike,” she said.
During her high school career, the all-A student was active in Beta Club, National Honor Society, Speech and Debate Team, Spanish Club, 30-Plus Club, International Thespian Society and High Tech Video Production, holding offices in several of the clubs. She achieved a number of awards in her speech and debate career, qualifying and placing in several national tournaments.
Mayhan said the Junior Ambassador program made an impact on her life. “This experience mostly has been invaluable to me in my personal growth as a leader, community member and mayoral hopeful. These connections have definitely helped me become more in touch with what, and who, our city relies upon every day. I have most definitely gained a passion for service, connections to business owners and a love for both business as well as municipal government.”
Applications for the 2020-2021 Junior Ambassador program are available on the chamber’s website, madisonthecitychamber.com. High school sophomores will now be eligible for the program, in addition to juniors and seniors. The application deadline is Aug. 14.