For some, the pursuit of excellence brings a lifetime of small victories. And for others, like Rock Hill High School Senior Dymond Mitchell, the pursuit of excellence brings about a monumental victory. She has been named a University of Mississippi Stamps Scholar, the university’s largest and most prestigious scholarship, offered to only 20 of the top incoming students. 

While the cost of education continues to rise, students are working harder than ever to help themselves stand out when competing for admission and scholarships. While other universities recognized her level of excellence, the University of Mississippi put their proverbial money where their mouth was by offering Dymond the prestigious Stamps Scholarship. 

Dymond was offered a scholarship package that will cover her entire cost of attendance (for out-of-state students that amount is $43,788 for the 2021-2022 academic year) each year for up to 4 years (8 semesters).  In addition to having all of her costs covered, Dymond will have a $12,000 enrichment fund that she can access during her 4 years at university.  The enrichment funds can be used for things such as study abroad, undergraduate research, internships or just about anything Dymond chooses to do that will enrich her academic experience and assist her with her ultimate career goals.

The application process was a lengthy one. “It was a lot of writing and a lot of talking to put it shortly,” explained Dymond. “My first step was applying for their general scholarships by the priority deadline. I spent most of my Christmas break in a coffee shop writing four essays (500-700 words) and one personal statement. I then had to fill out a resume and retrieve two recommendation letters. A few months later, I received a call requesting an interview with the scholarship committee. After that zoom call interview, I was scheduled for another interview with the Stamps foundation.” That interview must have gone well because Dymond was contacted and invited to the Chancellor's Scholar Day where it was announced that she would be part of the 1% that receives the University’s largest scholarship.

Dymond plans to major in Sociology (pre-med) with a minor in biology and chemistry. While studying sociology, her focus will be public health and global interaction. While not originally considering Ole’ Miss, “The school tour really won me over,” she said. “I loved the southern hospitality. I don’t really know how to describe this feeling other than “it felt like home.” I am really excited about the opportunities present at the school. One of my favorite things about the scholarship is that it pays for my semesters abroad. I am really looking forward to going to new countries and receiving a first-hand account of how their medical systems function. I am also the high school President of Kids Prosper Kids and the university would like me to start a chapter there. I will be able to collaborate with both students and alumni as we work to finish building a trade school in Ghana.”