ASU student to fund scholarship

An ASU student is reaching into his own pocket and funding a scholarship for a graduating senior from his alma mater, Manila High School. 

Joshua Blaine Lawrence was a senior at Manila High in 2008 when his grandmother, who had been a teacher there, passed away. Lawrence will be giving a $500 scholarship in memory of his grandmother, Regenia Lawrence.

"My grandmother believed in giving back to her community, and I thought I should do the same," Lawrence said.

Lawrence, who is a freshman political science major, decided last December to get the ball rolling on the scholarship.  The seniors, who had until Feb. 13 to apply, were judged on their academic careers and on an essay they wrote about what education means to them. 

The winner, who Lawrence has already chosen, will be announced on Manila High School's Scholarship Day, May 5.

Manila High School Principal, Pam Chipman, said she is very proud of Lawrence.

"I think it is a wonderful token of love that Blaine wished to honor his grandmother with a scholarship presented in her name to a Manila High School Senior.  He will be providing an excellent example for our student body," Chipman said.

In the more than 30 years Regenia Lawrence taught school, she had a profound impact on the lives of many of her students. 

Former Mayor of Manila, Melvin Browning, had Lawrence for a teacher and said he was very inspired by her.

"Mrs. Lawrence not only set the goals and standards of her students to a higher level, but she set the same for herself as well," Browning said.

Lawrence said he plans to continue funding this scholarship because it is what his grandmother would want. 

"She always wanted to help someone have a better future," Lawrence said.