Taylor Hamilton, a spring 2019 Battle High School graduate, has been named a University of Missouri-Kansas City Trustees’ Scholar.

When Hamilton begins nursing studies at UMKC in the fall, she will receive a scholarship valued at $60,000 over four years. Her award is supported by the UMKC Board of Trustees, the founder of the scholarship program.

Hamilton was a member Student Council, track and field, A+ Program, HOSA-Future Health Professionals and Science Club. She was on the “A” honor roll 2015-2018; was named Panera Associate of the Year in 2018; received the Science Department Choice Award in 2016; was an all-state track and field athlete in 2016; received the Spartan Excellence Award in 2016 and 2017; and received the Principal’s Award in 2016 and 2017.

Hamilton worked at Panera Bread Company and was a clinical student at the Lenoir Woods Nursing Home in Columbia, Missouri.

In the essay submitted to the Trustees’ Scholars selection committee, Hamilton said she plans to obtain a degree in nursing from UMKC and further her education to become a physician’s assistant.

“Working as a physician assistant with a medical degree from UMKC, I will have the opportunity to shape the future of health policies,” Hamilton said. “Further, I will educate people so they can remain healthy or regain their health.”

The Trustees’ Scholarship provides educational fees and on-campus room and board for the first two years. In the third and fourth years, the package provides educational fees and $2,000 for room and board. Each Trustees’ Scholar also receives $500 toward books each year.

To qualify as Trustees’ Scholars, students must meet at least two of the following three criteria: score a minimum ACT Composite of 30, rank in the top five percent of the graduating class, or have a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or more in a 17-class core curriculum. Trustees’ Scholars must enroll full time, be seeking an undergraduate degree and commit to living on campus for the first two years.

The UMKC Trustees’ Scholars Program is unique in that it aligns students closely with corporate sponsors, who give students access to their professional knowledge and experience, insight into the inner workings of the company or institution they represent, and a strong mentor relationship throughout the college experience. Students have opportunities to network and find internships or jobs through the Trustees and their connections in the community.