Lee University has awarded 10 incoming freshmen the 2023 Rymer Scholarship. Three Gold Scholars, three Silver Scholars, and four Bronze Scholars were recognized for this award at the annual Rymer Scholars luncheon, which was held on Lee’s campus April 26.  

The Rymer Foundation, established in 1989 by Hoyle Rymer and his father, Robert Rymer, awards the scholarship annually. The award honors exceptional achievement and encourages local high school students to continue their education in Cleveland. Since the scholarship’s inception, more than 200 students have earned the title “Rymer Scholar.”  

Ten finalists from Bradley Central (BCHS), Cleveland (CHS), and Walker Valley High School (WVHS) were chosen for the 2023 awards.  

The Lee University President’s Office, along with the principals from all three high schools, appointed the selection committee. The committee reviewed the applications and conducted interviews with each finalist. Scholars were assessed based on their leadership in extracurricular, athletic, and church-based activities, high school rank, grade point average, college entrance exam scores, and the interview.  

This year’s Rymer Gold Scholars are Hobert Brabson III (WVHS), Tinley Cummings (BCHS), and Nathan Hanrahan (WVHS). They will each receive a scholarship of $10,000.  

Brabson is the son of Cheryl Portell and Hobert Brabson II. He has a GPA of 3.92 and is a part of the National Honor Society, the National Science Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, the chess club, the Multicultural Coalition, and the varsity basketball team at Walker Valley. Brabson serves with the North Cleveland high school ministry and is a volunteer at the Second Harvest Thrift Store and Ministry Center in Cleveland and the Lost Sheep Ministry in Knoxville, where he has helped with funding and distributing resources to the homeless community. Brabson plans to major in psychology at Lee. 

Cummings, daughter of Austin and Amy Cummings, has a 3.96 GPA. She is vice president of the National Honor Society, president of the student council, a member of the Beta Club, and on the varsity softball team and volleyball team at Bradley. Outside of school, Cummings works at the Boys and Girls Club and helps with the Down Syndrome Association of Middle Tennessee, the Chattanooga Down Syndrome Society, and the Special Olympics. She is majoring in history with a minor in political science.  

Hanrahan is the son of Matt and Stephanie Hanrahan and has a GPA of 4.0. He is a cross-country runner, a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) and the Student Government Association, and the media manager of SkillsUSA at WVHS. Hanrahan serves with North Cleveland Church of God’s children ministry during weekly services, special events, and state youth camps. He has also volunteered at Knoxville Dream Center and City of Refuge in Atlanta. Hanrahan is going to major in engineering. 

The 2023 Rymer Silver Scholars are Jessica Edgemon (WVHS), Maddox Pendergrass (CHS), and Amanda Wagers (CHS). They will each receive a scholarship of $5,000.  

Edgemon, daughter of Kimberly and Brian Edgemon, has a 4.0 GPA. She is the founder and president of the Writers Club, president of National English Honor Society, secretary of the Act I Drama Club, secretary of the National Honor Society, trumpet section leader in band, a member of Speech and Debate, and a member of the National Beta Club at WVHS. Edgemon has also worked as both a teacher’s assistant and student teacher. She was recipient of the Lee University Spark Emerging Young Writers Award in 2022 and plans to major in English with a teaching licensure. 

Pendergrass, son of Cindy and Corey Pendergrass, has a GPA of 3.9 and is a Raider Scholar at Cleveland High. In addition to assisting his culinary arts teacher in CHS’s Raider Café, he has volunteered at The Caring Place and with the Mouse Creek Cleanup project.  

Wagers is the daughter of Cindy and Scott Wagers and has a GPA of 4.0. She has been involved in band, track, soccer, and the mathematics honor society Mu Alpha Theta at CHS. She is also a Raider Scholar and the vice president chair for her student-run business class. She is a recipient of the Soccer Defensive MVP and Soccer Coach’s awards. Wagers plans to major in chemistry. 

The Rymer Bronze Scholars are Elijah Kyle (CHS), Hannah Marr (BCHS), Emilee Perry (BCHS), and Emilee Worden (WVHS). They will each receive a scholarship of $2,000.  

Kyle, son of Jamie and Kelli Kyle, has a GPA of 3.9. He has been a member of the chess club, the band, the tennis team, and is a CTE (career technical education) ambassador at CHS. He is also a sound board operator for the local station Mix 104.1 and a guitar player/instrumentalist at Lakeview Community Church. He has also served at The Refuge and Family Promise of Bradley County. Kyle is majoring in music business. 

Marr is the daughter of Derrick and Cynthia Marr and has a GPA of 3.76. She has been a member of the Interact Club, HOSA (Healthcare Occupations Students of America), French Club, Key Club, the Thespian Society, Beta Club, and EAA (Environmental Awareness Association) at BCHS, where she held many leadership positions, as well. Outside of school, Marr is a dancer at Unity Dance Studio and a member of the N-Light-N Youth Choir at Broadstreet United Methodist. She has also won awards from the Rotary Club and at the HOSA state competition and plans to major in biochemistry. 

Perry is the daughter of Amanda and Jason Crowe and has a 4.0 GPA. She is a member of the Bradley County 4-H Honor Club, DramaCentral Theatre, Beta Club, Interact Club, and the student council at BCHS. She is a recipient of the Bruin Scholar Award, is valedictorian of her graduating class, and is a participant of the Tennessee Valley Early College Program. Perry has served her community through Operation Christmas Child, New Hope Pregnancy Center, 4-H service projects, and church services/outreaches. She plans to major in mathematics with a 6-12 teaching license. 

Worden, daughter of Justin and Summer Worden, has a GPA of 3.94. She is on the soccer team and the FCA Leadership Team, is captain of the basketball team, and is a member of the National Honor Society and the Beta Club at WVHS. She is also a Circle of Champions member, which is based on her number of service hours. Outside of school, Worden serves at First Baptist Cleveland, leading worship for students and helping with community outreaches. She plans to major in discipleship ministry. 

All monetary awards will be dispersed to the winners over a period of four years.  

For more information about the Rymer Scholarship, contact Lee’s Office of Admissions at [email protected] or (423) 614-8500.