Secrist awarded history scholarship

By Megan Quinlan
Staff Writer

Benjamin Secrist, 23, received the Outstanding History Student Award at the Academic Awards program April 4. 

Secrist is a senior majoring in history and minoring in British studies.  He is from Fayetteville, N.C. 

“It was very unexpected for I didn't even know of its existence,” Secrist said. “However, I feel incredibly honored to have received this award. I am proud of what I have accomplished here at UNCP, and I am grateful for the outstanding history professors who always challenged me to perform at a higher level.

“I am a third generation History major and owe much to the encouragement of my family. Although I love history, I am only one of many outstanding students produced by my department.”

When he’s not studying history, Secrist is a member of Air Force ROTC and competes professionally in Armed Exhibition Drill.

His future plans include pursuing a career in the Air Force as an Intelligence Officer and is studying European history in a graduate school program.

Scholarships were given to 245 students as well. 

The departments giving these awards were: 
American Indian Studies, Art, Biology, Chemistry & Physics, English, Theatre & Languages, Health, PE, & Recreation, History, Mass Communications, Mathematics & Computer Science, Nursing, Philosophy & Religion, Political Science & Public Administration, Business, Education, Social Work, Sociology and Criminal Justice.