As the Penn State campus closest to the vibrant city of Pittsburgh, we too pride ourselves on our champions….our students! Visit Penn State Greater Allegheny to learn more about the University and how you can learn alongside our champions, including our second student in the Campus Champion series, K’Vaught’e DeVaughn, and alumnus Wade Lipscomb. (Read about our first champion, Raeann Sleith, here.)
Success at a young age
When he was in just eighth grade, K’Vaught’e DeVaughn’s math teacher approached him and said she wanted to nominate him for a Ben Carson Scholarship.
According to carsonscholars.org, the Carson Scholars Fund awards $1,000 college scholarships to students in grades four to 11 who excel academically and are dedicated to serving their communities. Carson Scholarship recipients receive the honor of being named “Carson Scholars” and are awarded an Olympic-sized medal and a trophy for their school to celebrate their accomplishments. Previous winners of Carson Scholarships are eligible to reapply for Carson Scholar recognition annually. K’Vaught’e has received the award twice. The first time was when he was in eighth grade at Phillip Murray ALA Elementary in the Pittsburgh Public School District, which is now closed. The next year, he received the award as a returning scholar, this time while attending Brashear High School, also in Pittsburgh.
Working hard leads to achievement
K’Vaught’e explained that to become a Carson scholar you are required to have a grade point average (GPA) of 3.75 or higher, the ability to help others, and a desire to achieve academic excellence. You are also required to do humanitarian activities. “I was chosen for this award because I attended a Pittsburgh Public school, had a GPA of 3.8, a desire to help others, and a work ethic that forced me to work to my full potential and to lead by a positive example,” he said.
K’Vaught’e is majoring in engineering at Penn State Greater Allegheny, and plans to become an architectural engineer. K’Vaught’e has helped with cooking at the jubilee kitchen with his dad. He also helps his neighbors with mowing lawns, shoveling snow, and raking leaves.
“It means a lot to me to be a Carson Scholar because it helped build my confidence,” said K’Vaught’e. “Before I was a Carson Scholar, I would constantly second guess myself and not speak up. I also think that it's important to me because I can help share my story with others to encourage them to do the same.”