Chapman earns first Miller Presidential Scholarship
John Ethan Chapman has been awarded the Paul A. & Francena L. Miller Presidential Scholarship for West Virginia 4-H members.
The Bridgeport High School senior was selected from among eight deserving 4-H applicants for the scholarship. He plans to major in pharmacy and will begin classes in the fall. WVU’s 15th president, Dr. Paul A. Miller, a Hancock County native, and his wife, Francena, created the scholarship in 2006.
Awarded to a first-year freshman enrolled full time in a four-year degree program at West Virginia University, the Miller scholarship provides the recipient with a four-year academic scholarship and marks the largest single scholarship ever received by WVU Extension Service.
“The Paul & Francena Miller Presidential Scholarship will have an enormous impact on my college career,” Chapman said. “I plan to study pharmacy at WVU, and the scholarship will go a long way toward paying for my two years of pre-pharmacy and my first two years of pharmacy school.”
The son of John and Debbie Chapman of Lost Creek, Ethan’s family has many 4-H ties.
“My uncle, cousins, siblings and father had all been involved in 4-H and attending camp for as long as I could remember,” he said. “Since these were the people who had the largest impact on my life at the time, I was more than ready to jump in and become a part of it,” he said.
Ethan’s father has been the leader of the Johnstown Happy Handful 4-H Club in Harrison County for 15 years, which is Ethan’s home club. He joined as a 7-year-old Cloverbud. Ethan has held several offices in his 4-H club, including president, vice-president and treasurer. He has attended county camps for many years and earned his Charting Pin in 2006.
A National Merit Finalist, Chapman also serves as president of his Bridgeport High School class, a position he has held since his sophomore year. He is a member and co-president of the French Honor Society and is four-year member of the French Club. He has served on the Student Council Executive Board for three years and is a member of the Literary Magazine editing staff.
Chapman is a member of Boy Scout Troop 16 in Quiet Dell and achieved Eagle Scout Rank in 2008. He is also very active in Clarksburg Baptist Church and the church youth group. He served on the West Virginia Baptist Convention’s (WVBC) Youth Leader Core and the WVBC Youth Ministry Planning Team. He has participated in short-term mission trips to Haiti in 2006, 2007 and 2008.
“If I use that money in addition to other scholarships wisely, and pursue paid internships during my summers, I will hopefully be able to graduate with a doctorate in pharmacy and no outstanding debts,” Chapman said. “In addition, with my tuition and living expenses covered, I will have free time to participate in Baptist Campus Ministries and collegiate 4-H, as well as any other activities that interest me next fall.”
Chapman’s ties with WVU are also strong. His mother received a master’s in software engineering from WVU. His sister, Samantha, is a first-year student in the WVU College of Law. His brother, Kyle, is majoring in chemistry with the intent to attend medical school at WVU. In addition to his academic studies, Kyle also served as the alternate Mountaineer mascot this past year. Both of his older siblings are also 4-Hers.
The scholarship gift was made through the WVU Foundation, a private non-profit corporation that generates and provides support for West Virginia University.