The inaugural CSRA Scholars event honored 28 local, top-performing high school juniors from Richmond and Columbia County public schools among 32 nominees recognized for their dedication, hard work and determination.  

Held in the Jaguar Student Activities Center’s Dr. Roscoe Williams Ballroom, campus and local school leaders joined the scholars for a dinner and celebration showcasing Augusta University’s academic and extracurricular opportunities. A current student panel also provided insight on academic programs, time management skills, class projects, research and military-related opportunities through ROTC. 

Adding to the event’s significance, AU President Russell T. Keen, a CSRA native, emphasized that the scholars’ achievements reflect not only their academic ability but also their readiness to succeed in higher education. He said that local students are drawn to the university not only for its programs in health sciences, education, business and the arts and sciences, but also for the faculty who provide unwavering support.  

Amy Smith, EdD, acting vice president of Enrollment and Student Affairs, reinforced this sentiment, adding that Augusta University creates an environment where high-achieving students not only attend but truly thrive. 

“Scholars, you will soon be faced with a really important choice, and that’s choosing a college,” Smith said. “It’s important that you choose a place that sees your potential as clearly as you do, and Augusta University is one of those places. A community that invests in our scholars, nurtures ambition and opens doors to the opportunities that you may not have imagined. We’re committed to helping students, especially those from our local area, not only be successful, but really thrive and flourish.” 

Smith advised the scholars to go into their final year of high school solidifying habits, relationships and academic strength, noting that colleges notice when students finish strong, demonstrate leadership and display a genuine desire to grow and learn. 

Housed within the Office of Institutional Access, Success and Belonging, which received support from the Office of Student, Alumni and Community Engagement within the Medical College of Georgia, the event reflects a broader goal to expand access and strengthen pathways for local students. 

“The CSRA Scholars event is AU’s opportunity to remind our local high-achieving high school students that AU is, indeed, a destination of choice,” said Kristie Johnson, director of Institutional Access, Success and Belonging. “We hope their interactions with current Jags enrolled in accelerated/selective programs will ultimately encourage them to enroll here.” 

For scholars like Amiyah Watson, a junior at Westside High School, she was especially interested in learning about health sciences, medicine, campus life and the overall student experience.  

She boasts a 4.2 grade point average, has completed numerous advanced placement and dual enrollment courses at Augusta Technical College and plans to major in biology with the goal of becoming an obstetrician. 

“Being recognized definitely feels good, especially with my mom here with me,” Watson said. “Events like this are important because you get to see how your hard work pays off in the long run because, sometimes, you feel as if you’re doing it for no reason.”   

Deven Person, a junior at A.R. Johnson Health Science and Engineering Magnet School, also appreciated the recognition and the chance to hear more about the academic programs and extracurriculars available on campus.   

“Through the CSRA Scholars event, AU is really giving and presenting us with all the different options of what we could possibly do, what professional fields are out there and the ways that we can pursue our fields of interest,” Person said.   

Person has already toured the Georgia Cyber Innovation and Training Center, where he learned about the cybersecurity programs and the high-security, state-of-the-art computer terminals and laboratories.   

As a junior marshal with involvement in track and cross country, Person also learned about engaging on campus through the Jaguar Battalion, the Professional Scholars Programs and the Certificate of Leadership. 

Karina Zucco, a junior at Lakeside High School, has a strong academic drive, taking several advanced placement classes such as AP statistics, AP biology, AP chemistry, AP government, AP calculus, in addition to dual enrollment courses with Georgia Tech and a CTAE certificate.  

“I’ve been interested in computer science and maybe computational engineering ever since sixth grade,” Zucco said. “I had my first computer class and every night after I got home, I would research how to code and would always go above and beyond on class projects.”   

For Zucco, the event motivated her to continue working hard and trying her best, as well as providing an opportunity to envision what life could be like as a future Jaguar. 

While the scholars are still steps away from the college applications, the first-ever CSRA Scholars event created conversation about the endless opportunities awaiting them at Augusta University.   

Prospective Jaguars can learn more about Augusta University and the application process by visiting the Office of Undergraduate Admissions webpage or following aug_admissions on Instagram.