Through Gardner-Webb Honors Experience, High School Students Engaged in Campus Life and Community Service

Participants Attended Immersive Week to Learn About University’s Academic Programs and Mission

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Marnina Krist, a rising high school senior from Fuquay Varina, N.C., was one of 22 students who attended The Honors Experience at Gardner-Webb University this summer. Like some of the others, Krist had toured the GWU campus before, but wanted a chance to see for herself what the environment is really like. The immersive week introduced her to all aspects of life on the University’s campus—from going to class and chapel to dining and volunteering in the community.

“It’s been an honor to be here,” she reflected. “I definitely wanted to experience campus life firsthand, to get a better sense of what Gardner-Webb has to offer, and it has not disappointed.”

She added that the best part of the week was making new friends. “I have talked to so many people that are in my dorm,” Krist affirmed. “It’s been really great meeting everyone here. Everyone is super nice, just a great community and great friendships.”

The students developed friendships while attending classes and working side-by-side at a local food ministry, the community garden and the Boys and Girls Club in Shelby, N.C.

Andrea Hartman came all the way from Murrieta, Calif., to attend. The rising senior will be on the lacrosse team when she returns in the fall of 2025. “I decided to verbally commit to play lacrosse at Gardner-Webb University because of my kind and genuine interactions with Coach (Kathleen) Crum and the team members she introduced me to, as well as the school itself,” Hartman related. “While taking part in the Gardner-Webb Honors Experience, I learned that the campus life is very active and there are always plenty events to attend for whatever you are interested in. I learned that the teachers are very welcoming and dedicated to their students’ success. The week made me very excited about attending Gardner Webb to grow my faith and build important relationships with my lacrosse teammates.”  

Jackson Hartley, a rising senior from Winston-Salem, N.C., also appreciated the many opportunities provided during the week. “It’s just really been an amazing experience,” Hartley asserted. “This school is at the top of my list.”

He is considering a major in Christian studies and enjoyed the different aspects of Bible study covered in the course he took with Professor of Religious Studies, Dr. Paula Qualls—”Lions, & Tigers, & Prayers, Oh My! Danger and Prayers in the Bible.”

Because of his interest in acting and singing, Hartley also looked into the Department of Theater Arts and choral opportunities in the Department of Music. “I don’t know if other schools can stack up to how welcomed I feel here,” he observed. “I feel like this school has everything that just makes up me.” 

Vice President and University Chaplain for Christian Life and Service Josh Parrott helped to coordinate the program. “This was an exceptional group of high school students, and they especially loved their time in the classroom with our world-class faculty,” he shared. “I am thankful for our professors who shared their expertise, for the Christian Life and Service team who led devotions from Heb 12:1-3 during chapel, and for our four GW (student) counselors who chaperoned the students during the week.”

If the students decide to attend Gardner-Webb, they will receive credit for the classes they took as part of the program. During the week, they explored a variety of topics: writing, prayer, physics, biology, psychology and American Sign Language.

They are automatically invited to interview for Gardner-Webb’s full-tuition Ignite Excellence Scholarship, and everyone who competes receives $2000 per year at GWU.

Another element of the Honors Experience underscores the University’s mission to serve God and humanity. After participating in the local ministries, the students were asked to collaborate on an Innovation Challenge that brings classroom learning together with community engagement. At the end of the week, they presented their ideas to a panel of faculty, staff and community partners. The group proposed programs to encourage mentorship and fellowship while providing access to the food that families need.

“Our community leaders in Boiling Springs and in Shelby were very impressed with the community service and innovative ideas presented by this group,” Parrott praised. “The Honors Experience is a great opportunity for high school students to learn about the mission of Gardner-Webb, and it is also an opportunity for our University to invest in these students both intellectually and spiritually.”

Honors Experience Class of 2024

• Anna Barnette, rising senior, Mars Hill, N.C.
• Carolynn Bottoms, rising junior, Shelby, N.C.
• Addison Bray, rising senior, Cookeville, Tenn.      
• Emma Croston, rising senior, Piedmont, S.C.
• Hallie Eichler, rising junior, Wake Forest, N.C.
• Jordan Gates, rising junior, Gastonia, N.C.
• Kaili Grenier, rising junior, Hampstead, N.C.
• Dorian Harris, rising senior, Greer, S.C.
• Jackson Hartley, rising senior, Winston-Salem, N.C.                                                         
• Andrea Hartman, rising senior, Murrieta, Calif.
• Cadence Jones, rising sophomore, Charlotte, N.C.
• Marnina Krist, rising senior, Fuquay Varina, N.C.
• Hope Marley, rising junior, Bessemer City
• Hannah Parker, rising sophomore, Rutherfordton, N.C.
• Hannah Parks, rising junior, Shelby, N.C.
• Etera Pendleton, rising senior, Monroe, N.C.                                                         
• Lily Pope, rising senior, Albemarle, N.C.
• Jocelyn Ruiz, rising junior, Lincolnton, N.C.
• McKennon Showers, rising sophomore, Huntersville, N.C.
• Carlee Stratton, rising senior, Spartanburg, S.C.
• Alyssia Turner, rising senior, Covington, Ga.                                 
• Julianna Williams, rising senior, Clayton, N.C.       

Gardner-Webb Students Serving as Honors Experience Counselors

• Jacquelyn Carroll, rising senior, majoring in international business
• Abby Hennie, rising sophomore, majoring in nursing
• Robert Osowski, rising senior, majoring in communications with a focus on public relations
• Katelyn Suggs, rising senior, majoring in nursing with a psychology minor

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. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.