Senior Thomas Mathis recently made Chapman history by becoming the first student to win the Heisman High School Scholarship at the state level.

The Heisman High School Scholarship Award recognizes 12thgrade student-athletes who excel in the classroom, athletic field and community. Students can be recognized on the school, state and/or national level, with different levels giving different amounts of scholarship money. Mathis received $750.

“I received (the award) by applying to the Heisman scholarship through the website that guidance gave us,” Mathis said. “Once I was chosen as a school winner, there were two winners, me and another girl from Greenville, that were chosen as state winners. I wasn’t chosen as a national winner, but I’m appreciative of the money I did receive as a state winner.”

Although he was quick to emphasize the significance of winning the scholarship and what that meant to him, Mathis also admitted that some sibling rivalry made the victory a little sweeter.

“It’s a big honor to just receive money for my college, but also be known for something throughout the school, being known as a big name that’s the first one picked for something,” Mathis said. “It especially kind of hits personal because my brother applied for the scholarship when he was in high school, and to win over him … kind of gives me a little one over him.”

Chapman’s student body president credits the success to the Chapman guidance counselors because they helped him and other seniors find scholarships they need.

“I’d like to thank guidance for pushing the scholarships out to all the students and to me personally, helping us find so much money for our college,” he said.