BROWNWOOD – April 8, 2025 – Four Howard Payne University students were recently selected as Sumners Scholars by the Sumners Foundation: Abigail Henderson, biomedical science major from Junction; Cate Gramling, double major in elementary education and practical theology from Rowlett; Brock Horton, double major in the Guy D. Newman Honors Academy and accounting from Fort Worth; and Andrew Mathis, double major in the Guy D. Newman Honors Academy and history from Brenham.
The students were selected through a competitive application process, followed by in-person interviews with trustees from the Sumners Foundation.
HPU hosted several Sumners Foundation trustees for a luncheon on April 3 to recognize graduating seniors who are Sumners Scholars and conduct scholarship interviews. The four seniors were Alli Harvey, jurisprudence and Guy D. Newman Honors Academy major from Lookeba, Oklahoma; Layton Pratt, engineering science major from Spicewood; Sarina Saunders, criminal justice major from Cibolo; and Sadie Willie, jurisprudence and Guy D. Newman Honors Academy major from Florence. They had an opportunity to express their gratitude for their scholarships and the additional opportunities that were made possible through the foundation.
A $7,500-per-semester scholarship is awarded to each Sumners Scholar from the Sumners Foundation for tuition, fees, books or room and board, alongside unique opportunities to hear from congressional and civic leaders at various events and seminars.
“It is a pleasure to work with the Sumners Foundation on this incredible opportunity for our students,” said Charles Lewis, HPU’s director of development and Sumners Scholarship coordinator. “The Foundation’s Board Members have a tough job every year choosing between a group of qualified applicants who represent HPU well. I am looking forward to watching these new scholars grow over the next two years as they participate in the program.”
Each year, the Sumners Foundation selects students who best represent the foundation’s mission and legacy to participate in the program. The foundation states that its purpose is to “encourage the study, teaching, and research into the science and art of self-government, to the end that the American people may understand the fundamental principles of democracy and be guided thereby in shaping governmental policies.”
For more information about the Sumners Foundation, visit www.sumnersfoundation.org.
Sumners Scholars are also provided with opportunities to attend annual leadership and policy analysis conferences to supplement their learning and expand their growth potential. While receiving the scholarship, students are required to maintain a 3.0 GPA and be in good standing with the university.
For more information about HPU, please visit www.hputx.edu.
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Cutline 1: Four Howard Payne University students were recently selected as Sumners Scholars by the Sumners Foundation and are pictured from left to right: Andrew Mathis, Brock Horton, Abigail Henderson and Cate Gramling.
Cutline 2: The four graduating senior Sumners Scholars were honored at this year’s Sumners luncheon.