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Hardin High School senior Abbey Lanier has been selected as the second recipient of Â鶹ÊÓƵ's prestigious Presidential Scholarship for the 2025-2026 academic year.

The surprise announcement took place on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 during Abbey's lunch break. President Jaime Taylor, College of Engineering Interim Dean Dr. Tracy Benson, and other university faculty and staff were present to deliver the news.

Abbey’s family, including her father, Matt Lanier, joined the celebration. “We’re incredibly proud of Abbey. She’s worked so hard, and she’s excited to begin her studies in engineering at Â鶹ÊÓƵ,” he said.

Lanier is a high-achieving student who excels both academically and in extracurricular activities. She is actively involved in Student Council, the National Honor Society, volleyball, track, and several honors courses. Outside of school, she has dedicated years of volunteer service to organizations like Hardin Helping Hands. Her passion for civil engineering developed after attending a high school workshop led by Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s Dr. Karan Uddameri.

Dr. Uddameri, a professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, also attended the announcement and shared his excitement for Abbey’s success.

"Southeast Texas has many wonderful students who learn how fun and impactful civil engineering can be for their communities and their own professional growth,” he said. “The country needs a lot of good civil engineers now, so it's important for us to reach out far and wide to continue building on the strong engineering tradition we have at LU."

The Â鶹ÊÓƵ Presidential Scholarship is a competitive, full-ride scholarship awarded annually to just 15 high-achieving high school seniors. Candidates are selected through a rigorous process, including an application and an interview with the selection committee. Applications for the 2025-2026 academic year remain open through Jan. 15, 2025.

For more details about the Presidential Scholarship and eligibility requirements, visit lamar.edu/studentaid.