Lucy Swenson enjoys helping those in need, and the Owensboro High School senior was recently recognized for her work in the classroom and in the community by being selected as a National Honor Society Scholarship recipient.
Swenson was chosen from nearly 7,000 applicants nationwide, and by finishing as a semifinalist will receive a $3,200 scholarship to use toward higher education. Recipients are chosen based on their demonstrated work to support the four pillars of NHS: scholarship, service, leadership and character.
“I didn’t expect recognition, but it was really exciting to receive it,” Swenson said. “It’s really encouraging because I know that something I want to do in the future is to continue to serve.”
Swenson is the president of the OHS chapter of the NHS, and she’s helped organize multiple drives for organizations such as the Oasis Women’s Shelter and the Salvation Army.
“My grandmother is super involved in the community so I’ve watched her,” Swenson said. “I knew (when I joined NHS sophomore year) that I wanted to continue serving the community. I kind of have the sense that I want to serve as a career. I’m not sure exactly how, but that’s something that I know I want to do in the future. It was really exciting to get to have opportunities to start doing that in high school.”
Swenson said attending OHS played a vital role in helping her expand her horizons and realized there was a need to be involved with various organizations throughout Owensboro.
“We’re such a diverse school,” she said. “That’s one of the things that we’re known for that we’re proud of. Having lots of different perspectives has broadened my own perspective, so I’m aware of the need in my community and I’m aware of the needs of my friends and the people I know.”
Swenson said she’s going to attend Centre College, where she plans to major in environmental studies and either double major or get a minor in international relations.
