Marissa Barajas, a senior at Lincoln High School, has been awarded $15,000 per year for four years in attendance at ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø by way of the Citizens Bank of West Virginia Emerging Leaders Scholarship. The sum of this scholarship reaches a total of $60,000 over four years.
ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø, Citizens Bank of West Virginia, and WDTV have once again partnered for a fourth consecutive year to offer this unique scholarship competition. All 2025 high school graduates, whether attending public, private, or homeschool, with a 3.00-or-higher GPA were eligible to apply. Due to myriad exemplary applicants, D&E officials have once more extended offers of scholarships to a wealth of high-caliber students, in addition to the selection of one student who received a full, four-year grand prize scholarship.
Applicants were required to submit a list of engagements across high school and within their respective communities, along with an essay centered on the topic, “If you receive this scholarship, how will you pay it forward to the state of West Virginia?â€
Barajas, hailing from Clarksburg, West Virginia, is the daughter of Alexis Haught, of Clarksburg, West Virginia, and Manuel Barajas, of Thornton, Colorado. She has remained heavily involved in the many scholastic opportunities available at Lincoln High, including her membership of Varsity Women’s Soccer and Tennis, respectively. She is a member of the Key Club, Choir, Theatre, and an original member of the Athletic Council representing both Men and Women’s Soccer and Tennis at her school.
At ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø, Barajas plans to pursue a major in Psychology and Human Services.
ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø offers more than 40 academic programs. Multiple scholarship opportunities are available including the College’s annual $5.4 million investment in West Virginia students. D&E extends heartfelt congratulations to all Emerging Leaders applicants and winners, who are undoubtedly the leaders of tomorrow by way of their distinction and excellence.
