By The People’s Paper MS Staff
WESSON, Miss. — Big wins don’t come around often like this.
Two sophomores at Copiah-Lincoln Community College just pulled off something most students across the country only dream about. Olivia Vaughn of Union Church and Benson Schexnaydre of McCall Creek each earned a $4,000 national scholarship from Mu Alpha Theta. And, here’s the kicker: only three community college students nationwide were selected.
That puts both students in rare company.
Vaughn’s leadership presence on campus is hard to miss.
“As former president of Mu Alpha Theta, Olivia demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication and a passion for promoting mathematics and STEM,” said Eddie Britt, chair of the math and computer science division and advisor for the college’s Mu Alpha Theta chapter. “She’s a role model within the organization.”
A mechanical engineering major, Vaughn serves as president of Mu Alpha Theta and vice president of the Student Government Association. She’s also active across campus organizations and has earned honors like Campus Favorite, Who’s Who and induction into the college’s Hall of Fame.
She plans to continue her education at Mississippi State University, where she will study engineering with a minor in geosciences and a concentration in meteorology.
Schexnaydre brings a different, but equally impressive energy.
“Benson is a dedicated and hardworking pre-engineering and pre-med major,” Britt said. “He brings a strategic mindset and discipline to everything he does.”
He serves as treasurer of Mu Alpha Theta and stays active in service efforts, including Operation Christmas Child and campus cleanup initiatives.
“His academic excellence, leadership and genuine care for others make him a standout,” Britt added.
Outside the classroom, Schexnaydre is a six-time Mississippi chess champion and a U.S. Chess Master. That’s a detail that matches his reputation for focus and discipline.
Next, he plans to attend Mississippi State University to study biomedical engineering before heading to medical school.
Together, Britt said, both students reflect what the honor society is all about.
“They represent the very best of Mu Alpha Theta’s values,” he said. “Excellence, leadership and service.”
And now, with national recognition behind them, both students are just getting started.
