ST. CLAIRSVILLE — Waynesburg University recently announced St. Clairsville graduate McKenna Miller as its 2025 Leadership Award recipient.

Miller received the annual $20,000 scholarship after several hundred students applied, the university said. The scholarship was awarded as a result of interviews and applications, including an essay about how upon graduating from Waynesburg University, she will continue to live a life of purpose.

The incoming Waynesburg University freshman is the daughter of Greg and Shana Miller. At St. Clairsville High School, she was a four-year member of the varsity swim team and a four-year letter award winner. During her time on the swim team, she was a three-year district qualifier, Ohio Valley Athletic Conference medalist and All-Academic Conference award winner.

Shana said McKenna wasn’t only chosen because of academics and essays, but also due to her Christian leadership.

Outside of school, McKenna is an active member of Thoburn United Methodist Church, serving as a vocalist, pianist and guitarist for the Shine Contemporary Worship Team. She has also been involved in community outreach through vacation Bible school, Kingdom Sports Camp and Rise Against Hunger.

Inside of school she was a two-year member of the National Honor Society and consistently made the principal’s list while also completing courses for college credit through the University of Akron. She was a member of the French Club, Staying Clean Club, Student Action Committee, Chess Club, Culture Club and the school’s vocal music group Sweet Harmony, as well as was involved in four theater productions.

Miller said she plans to pursue a degree in nursing with a minor in music during her time at Waynesburg.

In addition to her studies, she will also be involved in the university’s choir program.

Shana said she is very proud of her daughter and said that she knows McKenna will succeed at Waynesburg University. She also believes that the school is a great fit for her.

“She’s very excited. It’s a very good fit for her. It’s a Christian university and fits really well with her values, and it has a really great nursing program that she’s really excited about,” Shana said.

In addition to the Leadership Award, McKenna was also awarded the A.B. Miller scholarship, which will be $18,000 annually.

Unlike the Leadership Award, the A.B. Miller scholarship is solely based on academics and is the top academic scholarship based on grade point average.