Riggins, Lively announced as TBC scholarship winners

Rylee Riggins and Lucy Lively are the Texas Baptist College Scholarship Essay Contest winners, Dean M. Todd Bates announced today.

“There were several very well written papers,” Bates said, “but what set our winners apart was their insight into the essay question, ‘How does your academic study contribute to your formation in the Christian faith?’, the breadth of sources, and the depth of their answer to the essay question.”

Graduating high school seniors who were prospective TBC students were invited to submit a 3,500- to 4,500-word argumentative essay to win one of two four-year scholarships. Riggins, who was named the top winner, was awarded a four-year presidential scholarship that includes full tuition and fees to TBC, room and board, and books. As the second-place winner, Lively received a four-year provost scholarship that includes full tuition and books.

A native of Lantana, Texas, Riggins graduated from Classical Conversations of Double Oak, a Christ-centered homeschool program.

“This scholarship means so much to me,” Riggins said. “It’s cool to see how God used this scholarship as clarity for me. I am confident that TBC is where He is placing me and where I am going to continue to grow in my faith.”

Riggins, who attends Rock Pointe Church in Flower Mound, Texas, said TBC is “unlike any college” she visited while considering where she would further her education following high school graduation.

“I considered several private Christian schools and found that TBC best matches my academic, spiritual, and relational goals,” Riggins said. “I thoroughly enjoy the classical model of learning, and I am looking forward to an education filled with enriching Socratic conversations. Additionally, I desire an education that not only prepares me for my future occupation but also values my current relationship with God. I believe TBC is a school that will encourage and challenge me in my faith. Lastly, I visited several TBC classes while making my college decision, and after each visit, I walked away amazed by the professors’ intentionality and love for their students.”

Bates noted through her essay that Riggins focused on the ultimate meaning of education: to become more like Christ and involved in His purposes.

“Rylee discussed the role of education in spiritual formation and becoming more like Christ,” Bates commented. “Grounded in Scripture, Rylee’s essay quoted from Milton and Plato and drew examples from art to mathematics displaying the glory of God in creation. But Rylee never loses sight of the ultimate meaning of education, a life transformed into the image of Christ and on mission with God.”

Riggins, who will begin in the fall as a Bachelor of Arts in humanities student, said she is most looking forward to “an education centered on Christ” as she is “intrigued to examine new ideas, philosophies, and viewpoints” and “apply” them in her life to “become bolder and more confident in the Lord.”

Riggins believes God has given her “a passion for lost people” and she looks forward to “being used while a student in the Fort Worth area.”

Lively is a Garland, Texas native who has been homeschooled. A member of Cornerstone Baptist Church in Wylie, Texas, Lively plans to enroll in the Bachelor of Music in performance degree program with a voice performance concentration.

Lively learned of TBC and its degree programs through the Great Homeschool Convention held in Fort Worth, and through her older sister who is a music student at TBC.

“My sister attends the school, and she has had a great experience in the music program,” Lively said. “Since I also want to study music, it seemed to be a good fit. I’ve been on campus on several occasions, and it seems to be a nice place.”

Bates noted Lively’s essay was “grounded in Scripture which framed everything else in her essay.”

“Whether quoting from Aristotle or Lemony Snicket, all knowledge was understood in light of the Bible,” Bates explained. “Further, Lucy discussed the role of education and learning in a person’s sanctification and affirming the most important goal anyone can have and that is to know and be known in the love of Christ.”

Originally Lively was planning to take a “gap year” following high school graduation to earn money to continue her education. She said the scholarship allows her to begin in the fall academic term and she is “grateful that most expenses will be covered” and she will not “have to struggle to pay for everything.”

Lively said she hopes to become a performing arts teacher following college graduation and is looking forward to enhancing her vocal skills through TBC’s music program.

“I have seen the list of classes, and the classes look interesting and fun,” Lively said. “I am also looking forward to participating in student life. I have heard the TBC community and instructors are great.”

“Overall, our essays were outstanding, and I am impressed with the intentionality of our future TBC students to love God with all their heart, soul, and mind,” Bates said of all the contest participants. “It will be a privilege to participate in helping these extraordinary young people find their calling while at TBC.”

The fall semester for TBC begins on August 15.