Midway High School Senior, Hayden Burdick of Hitchita, is the recipient of the 2024 Leah Collins Memorial Scholarship. The $1,000 scholarship is named in honor of Leah (Neumeyer) Collins, a 1996 alumna and life-long supporter of Midway Public Schools.
Burdick is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Burdick of Hitchita. His grandparents are Mrs. Karen Hyatt of Checotah; Mr. Terry Duvall of McAlester; and Mrs. Sandy Burdick and the late Mr. Larry Burdick, of Yukon.
The scholarship is presented annually to a Midway High School senior who embodies the virtues of character, leadership and academic excellence, and has demonstrated a commitment to community service. Burdick received the distinguished award during the school’s 2024 commencement ceremony in Council Hill.
“Hayden is an outstanding student, a natural leader, and a talented athlete.” said Laren McAfee, the mother of Leah Collins. “Just like my daughter, he’s very personable, a hardworker and a teamplayer. He’s definitely goal-oriented and a high achiever, yet he balances those traits with an equally strong desire to help others succeed, too.”
Burdick is Salutatorian of his graduating class and maintains a 3.9 GPA. He served as president of both, Midway’s Student Council and it’s chapter of the National Honor Society, and also served as captain of the school’s District-Championship Academic Team. He’s an award-winning member of FFA; competed on the high school’s football and track & field teams; and was selected Midway’s Homecoming King his senior year.
Hayden will pursue a double major in biology and pre-medicine at the University of Okla-homa in Norman this fall. “Being named a Leah Collins Scholar is a huge honor,” he said. “It brings me one step closer to realizing my dream of one day becoming a surgeon. I’m truly grateful for the vote of confidence, and for this investment, in my future.”
Those wishing to support future scholarships can mail a taxdeductible donation to: Leah Collins Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Laren McAfee, 114386 New Texanna Road, Checotah, OK, 74426.
