Mid-State welcomes future students to campus, awards $5,000 ‘Big Decision Scholarship’

More than 100 graduating high school seniors and their supporters gathered at Mid-State Technical College’s annual Admit Day event on May 3 to celebrate their decision to enroll as Mid-State students.

Among them was Laila Sankey from Vesper, a graduating senior from Pittsville High School, who was awarded Mid-State’s $5,000 “Big Decision Scholarship” at the event.

Admit Day marks the symbolic start of a student’s college journey. Participants received a certificate of admission, explored the campus, met with advisors, and acquainted themselves with program instructors. Representatives from various high schools, including Adams-Friendship, Central Sands, Granton, Lincoln, Pittsville, Stevens Point Area Senior, and Tomorrow River, attended the event.

“We are thrilled to welcome these new students and their families to our fourth annual Admit Day, officially inducting them into the Mid-State community,” said Jackie Esselman, dean of Recruitment and Admissions. “Our Admit Day event is held annually at the beginning of May to coincide with National College Decision Day on May 1. Choosing a college after high school is a significant life decision that deserves celebration.”

The “Big Decision Scholarship,” awarded to Sankey, was established as a limited-time opportunity for 2024 high school seniors undecided on their post-graduation plans to facilitate their decision-making process.

“When I received the email about the scholarship, I was both shocked and excited, unsure if it was real,” said Sankey, who intends to pursue the Phlebotomy Technician program and general education courses at Mid-State. “Since my credits are transferrable, my counselor suggested starting at Mid-State for a year to save money before transitioning to the veterinary technician program at Northcentral Technical College.”

“Congratulations to Laila for being selected as the recipient of our Big Decision Scholarship,” said Micki Dirks-Luebbe, director of the Mid-State Technical College Foundation, Inc. “We are thrilled for her to commence her post-secondary academic journey at Mid-State. Such opportunities are made possible for our students thanks to the generosity and dedication of our donors and Foundation Board.”

Sankey is among the 1,603 local high school students granted automatic admission to Mid-State through its Direct Admission program. This initiative, which partners with local high schools in its district, supports the 60 Forward initiative by eliminating admissions barriers for all 2024 seniors. More information about Direct Admission can be found at mstc.edu/direct-admission.

Individuals interested in Mid-State Technical College scholarships for fall 2024 should apply before May 24 at mstc.edu/scholarships.