Paducah Tilghman High School juniors Ryan Bidwell, Levi Brown, Madelyn Duwe, Whitson McNeill, and Terrance Robinson have been named Centre Fellows in Centre College's merit based scholarship program.
Centre Fellow candidates must have a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.5 and a standing within the top 5% of their class. They also must maintain a challenging course load comprised of some of the highest courses available at their school and be an outstanding citizen of their high school and community.
Centre Fellows are guaranteed to receive a $26,000 minimum scholarship per year for four years at Centre College should they attend there. Centre Fellows are eligible for additional merit awards. The Centre Fellows Scholarship Program recognizes and rewards some of the nation's brightest, most involved high school juniors.
Bidwell is a member of the Tilghman Interact Club, Beta Club, and is a Tilghman Student Ambassador. He’s the Percussion Pit Section Leader in Tilghman’s Marching, Concert, and Pep Bands and is also a member of the Tilghman Orchestra. He’s been a regular volunteer at the Market House Theatre since 6th grade in various roles, including Teaching Assistant, Ha! Improv Troup member, actor, and crew member. He’s also a Boy Scout and currently holds the Life Rank. He’s the son of Anne Bidwell and Jeff Bidwell.
Brown is All Brass Captain of Tilghman’s Marching, Concert, and Pep Bands, a member of Tilghman’s Chess Club and Junior Police Academy and a Student Ambassador. He holds the rank of Cadet Lieutenant and Unit Executive Officer of NJROTC and has been a part of several NJROTC teams, including Color Guard, Academic Team, Marksmanship Team, and Leadership Academy. He’s the recipient of many NJROTC awards, including Distinguished Cadet, Marine Corps League Community Service Award, and Military Order of the Purple Heart National Leadership Award. He’s the son of Susan and Bradley Brown.
Duwe is Co-President of FBLA, Junior Representative of Beta Club, a member of the Tilghman Interact Club, National Honor Society, Pep Club, and is a Student Ambassador. She’s a five-year member of the Tilghman Tennis Team, was a regional semifinalist and finalist for girls doubles, and a Kentucky state tournament qualifier two years. She currently interns with West Kentucky Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She volunteers every summer at FCA summer camps and works as a lifeguard and tennis instructor for private clients and tennis clinics. She is the daughter of Angie McKendree and Brian Duwe.
McNeill is Vice President of the Tilghman Interact Club, Secretary of FBLA, Treasurer of the Student Council and member of Beta Club and Pep Club. He's a Paducah Bank Teen Ambassador and Tilghman Student Ambassador. He's a campus Huddle Leader for Tilghman’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He volunteers his time working with the local FCA Chapter, Starfish Orphan Ministries, and Paducah Parks Department tennis clinics. He's a member and Captain of the Varsity Tennis Team and co-captain of the Golf Team. Whitson is the current Region 1 Boys Singles Champion and has been a 2A Regional Golf Champion. He also serves as an Editor for the Tilghman Bell and is on the path to achieve his Eagle Scout rank by the end of the year. He is the son of Chris and Melanie McNeill.
Robinson is a member of the Tilghman Student Equity Advisory Council, African American Leadership Club, Student Council, is a Tilghman Student Ambassador, and a member of the Tilghman Track Team. He’s a three-instrument musician and holds the position of Trumpet and Horn Section Leader for the Tilghman Marching, Concert, and Pep Bands. He also plays viola for the Tilghman Orchestra. He’s currently employed at Tj Maxx and is a member of Harrison Street Ministry Baptist Church. He is the son of Racole Robinson.
“These exceptional juniors have laid a strong academic and community-minded foundation that Centre College values in its students,” said Julie Price, PTHS College and Scholarship Consultant. “Tilghman is proud that they are already being recognized and rewarded for their hard work both in school and out in the community.”
Pictured L to R: Terrance Robinson, Ryan Bidwell, Whitson McNeill, Levi Brown, Madelyn Duwe