Mercyhurst student receives Southwell Scholarship
In their memory
Life is a journey, not a destination.
“With passion, fearlessness, and intelligence, I inspire myself and others to change what we don’t like and embrace what we can’t change,” Paula Southwell said.
Following her 2013 death at the age of 18, that purpose lives on.
On Friday, her parents, Cathy and Butch Southwell, awarded the Paula M. Southwell Memorial Scholarship to Scott Stewart, who will attend Mercyhurst University in the fall.
They encourage him, as all winners of the scholarship, to “fulfill their potential and do their part to better the world.”
Paula Southwell lived with passion and authenticity, according to information about the scholarship.
“She was sweet and thoughtful, often thinking of others before herself,” according to that information. “A voracious reader and researcher, Paula could remember facts and details even at a young age. She rebelled against the status quo by educating herself and making decisions based on her knowledge and convictions.”
“She would intelligently and respectfully debate you on a variety of topics,” the information said. “She was awarded early admission to American University in Washington D.C. and had high ambitions and bold goals.”