MARQUETTE — There is always reason for celebration during graduation season including parties, college dreams and the start of summer.

One Marquette Senior High School 2023 graduate has even more to celebrate.

Lily Dixon, was awarded a full ride scholarship from Michigan State University in East Lansing.

Dixon was selected out of over 1,000 of the highest-achieving high school seniors who applied for the scholarship. After undergoing a rigorous process of interviews, essays and examination, she stood out from the other applicants.

The MSU Alumni Distinguished Scholarship covers tuition and living expenses for up to eight semesters of study, with a value of approximately $140,000.

“After receiving (the award) I don’t think I could be in a more perfect position for me and my family. I’m super excited,” Dixon said. “I’m so glad I’m going to MSU…. I think it’s going to be the perfect fit for me.”

Dixon was very active during her high school career. She played stand-up and electric bass in various MSHS bands and orchestras; went to Washington, D.C., for the Tom Baldini Soapbox Challenge finals; job shadowed at the Public Defender’s Office; served as National Honor Society president; studied art history in New York City; and wrote articles published in The Mining Journal through the 8-18 Media Youth Journalism Program.

“I couldn’t have been a qualified candidate wihtout my teachers and mentors here at MAPS,” Dixon said, “and I think this truly reflects most on the education I received in Marquette.”

Reflecting upon her time learning about the legal system, Dixon said, “It was such a life-changing, eye-opening opportunity for me…. I like seeing what goes down behind the scenes.”

After receiving a degree in arts and humanities in the Residential College of Arts & Humanities and the Honors College of MSU, she plans to go to law school.

Dixon hopes to pursue an environmental activism law or social justice law emphasis in her career.

Alexandria Bournonville can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 506. Her email address is abournonville@miningjournal.net.