Over 100 graduating high school seniors and their supporters attended Mid-State Technical College’s annual Admit Day event on May 3 to celebrate their decision to enroll as Mid-State students. Laila Sankey, Vesper, a graduating senior from Pittsville High School was also awarded Mid-State’s $5,000 “Big Decision Scholarship” at the event.

Admit Day is the symbolic beginning of a student’s college career. At the event, students received a certificate of admission, toured campus, met with their advisor and got to know their program instructors. Some of the high schools represented at the event were Adams-Friendship, Central Sands, Granton, Lincoln, Pittsville, Stevens Point Area Senior and Tomorrow River. 

“We are so excited to host these new students and their families at our fourth annual Admit Day and officially welcome them to the Mid-State community,” said Jackie Esselman, dean of Recruitment and Admissions. “Our Admit Day event is held each year at the beginning of May to align with National College Decision Day on May 1. Deciding on a college after high school is a major life decision that deserves to be celebrated.”

Laila Sankey was awarded the “Big Decision Scholarship” that was created as a limited-time opportunity for 2024 high school seniors undecided on their path after graduation to help make the decision easier. 

“I was shocked and excited when I got the email about the scholarship, and I wasn’t sure if it was real,” said Laila Sankey, who plans to pursue the Phlebotomy Technician program and general education courses at Mid-State. “Since my credits can transfer, my counselor encouraged me to start at Mid-State for one year to save money before continuing on to the veterinary technician program at Northcentral Technical College.”

“Congratulations to Laila for being named the winner of our Big Decision Scholarship,” said Micki Dirks-Luebbe, director of the Mid-State Technical College Foundation, Inc. “We are so excited for her to begin her post-secondary academic career at Mid-State. Opportunities like this wouldn’t be possible for our students without the generosity and efforts of our donors and Foundation Board.”

Sankey is one of the 1,603 local high school students automatically accepted to Mid-State through its Direct Admission program. Through Direct Admission, Mid-State partners with local high schools in its district to advance the 60 Forward initiative by removing admissions barriers to the college by admitting all 2024 seniors. Learn more about Direct Admission at mstc.edu/direct-admission. 

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