Pendleton County High School senior, Emma Hartman of Franklin, is one of five high school recipients to receive the Charles J. McClain Presidential Scholarship. The scholarship is Fairmont State University’s premier academic scholarship. Also known as the Presidential Scholarship, the award covers tuition, program fees, room and board, and provides a $500 per semester stipend for textbooks through the campus bookstore.
Starting in the fall semester, Hartman will major in elementary education and is passionate about teaching young children, particularly those who struggle academically. She hopes to earn a master’s degree in education to further her impact as an educator.
“This scholarship will have a huge impact on my college career by relieving a financial burden,” Hartman said. “It will allow me to focus on my education without the stress of working multiple jobs to pay for school.”
“At Fairmont State University, we are committed to recognizing and supporting students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and leadership potential,” said Mike Davis, president. “The Presidential Scholarship represents our investment in the future of these outstanding scholars and the impact they will have on our campus and beyond. We are proud to welcome this year’s recipients to Falcon Nation and look forward to seeing all they will accomplish.”
To qualify for the scholarship, candidates must be high school seniors who have received the PROMISE scholarship, have a high school grade point average of 3.5 or higher, score an ACT of 26 or higher or an 1180 SAT, and submit a written essay with their scholarship application. Once selected as a finalist, candidates participate in interviews with university representatives. Hartman met all of the criteria, participated in four interviews, and was selected as one of the 2025 McClain Scholars.
To maintain the Charles J. McClain Presidential Scholarship, first-year recipients must achieve a minimum 2.75 GPA by the end of their first year. In subsequent years, students must maintain a 3.0 GPA and complete at least 30 credit hours annually. The scholarship is renewable for up to eight semesters.
