Sharlotte Lyda Receives 2026 Tucker Scholarship, Gardner-Webb’s Highest Undergraduate Honor

Hendersonville Senior Recognized for Leadership, Compassion, and a Calling to Serve Others Through Nursing

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Sharlotte Lyda, of Hendersonville, N.C., is the 2026 recipient of Gardner-Webb University’s highest honor for incoming undergraduate students, the Tucker Heart, Soul, Mind and Strength Scholarship. The sixth student in the history of the scholarship to be recognized with this honor, Lyda was surprised when GWU President Nate Evans and members of Gardner-Webb’s admissions staff, along with the University’s Mascot, Mac, recently interrupted a family gathering to make the announcement.

“Winning this scholarship means so much to my family, and it opens many doors that wouldn’t be possible without it,” Lyda shared. “It is a blessing to know that through this scholarship, I have not only made my family proud of what I have accomplished in the last four years, but I have repaid them for the time and energy they have poured into me to support me and cheer me on as I have taken on what life throws our way. I hope I am able to make my family, the Tucker family, and the entire Gardner Webb community proud of what I accomplish and the woman I turn into.”

The Tucker Scholarship provides full-tuition, room and board for eight semesters. Robert and Carolyn Tucker established the annual award to recognize a high school senior who exemplifies the principles and values representative of the Gardner-Webb community. The qualifications are based on the Tucker family’s life verse, Mark 12:29-31. In this passage, Jesus gives the two most important commandments: “Love the Lord Your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength; and love your neighbor as yourself.”

Evans remarked on the impact the Tuckers’ gift has made on students and the campus community. “The Tucker family’s commitment to Gardner-Webb is a powerful example of faith in action,” he shared. “Their investment in students like Sharlotte is not only changing individual lives, but also advancing the values that define our University.”

Lyda, a student at North Henderson High School in Hendersonville, is president of the student body. As an AP Scholar, she has also earned distinctions as a junior marshal, scholar athlete, and member of the National Honor Society. She is captain of the varsity cheerleaders, statistician for the wrestling team, and serves as an officer and Cheer Huddle Leader in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). She has served three years as editor of the high school yearbook and is a HOSA-Future Health Professionals member and competitor.

Evans was impressed by Lyda’s character and servant leadership. “Sharlotte embodies the heart of the Tucker Scholarship,” he said. “Her academic excellence, deep faith, and genuine compassion for others reflect the values we hope to see in every Gardner-Webb student. She leads with humility, serves with joy, and has already demonstrated a commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of those around her.”

Lyda plans to major in nursing and minor in American Sign Language at Gardner-Webb. She wants to pursue a career as a pediatric ICU nurse and would also like to obtain a master’s degree in nursing. “Healthcare has always interested me, and knowing how the body works has fascinated me since learning about the skeletal system in elementary school, but helping people is my passion,” she stated. “Knowing I have the ability, skill, and opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life is something I have wanted to be a part of since I was a little girl and my grandmother was sick. My grandmother was influential in my life, and her nurses were the backbone of her cancer treatment and monumental to my family. This is the kind of difference I hope to make in my nursing career.”

The compassion that guides Lyda’s career ambitions is the same quality that distinguished her throughout the highly-competitive Tucker Scholarship process. Only students nominated by a minister, teacher, guidance counselor or community leader who is unrelated to them are invited to apply. Then, the student submits at least two additional letters of recommendation, an essay, and the application form.

Lyda was nominated by her school’s guidance counselor, Leigh Leik, who described her passion for serving others, her sincere faith and strong character, and her academic achievements. “Her 350+ volunteer hours, along with her work as youth director and Sunday school teacher at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, show her commitment to caring for children, supporting families, and strengthening her community,” Leik wrote in her nomination. “Her involvement in initiatives like Knights vs. Cancer and her leadership roles in FCA and Student Government further reflect her dedication to serving others with kindness and understanding.”

Lyda’s teacher, Sue Moon, shared more details about Knights vs. Cancer in her letter of recommendation. The annual student-led event raises money for Vs Cancer, a non-profit organization dedicated to curing children’s cancer. Lyda was a team captain and planned and hosted Cars For a Cure, a car show that also generated financial support and community engagement in the fight against cancer. With her leadership, North Henderson raised over $19,000 for the Pediatric Oncology Unit at Mission Children’s Hospital.

North Henderson’s head wrestling coach, Keang Heang Uy, who is also FCA co-sponsor, praised Sharlotte for her work as the wrestling team’s statistician and as a FCA leader. “Sharlotte is exceptionally detail-oriented and proactively manages crucial administrative tasks for both the wrestling program and FCA, often anticipating needs that I have overlooked or forgotten,” Uy noted in his letter. “Her competency is such that she could manage the logistical aspects of the wrestling program—including data entry, records management, and video uploads—independently. Her unparalleled reliability, integrity, and attention to detail are why she was elected Student Body President this year.”

Lyda is looking forward to joining the Runnin’ Bulldog community next year. “Gardner Webb has so many organizations and opportunities, and it is important to get involved and be a part of this culture,” she noted. “As a future student, I am excited to bring my own skill sets and personality to campus and contribute to this culture in my own unique way, bringing new ideas and opportunities to make a bigger difference. I can’t wait to see what the Lord has planned for me at Gardner-Webb!”

Note to our readers: This article reflects the University’s tuition and fee schedule at the time of publication. Tuition and financial aid policies change annually. For the most up-to-date and accurate information on current tuition rates and financial aid resources, please visit the University’s official Admissions page. 

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Become More at gardner-webb.edu.