Midway High School Senior, Lyndon Watson of Council Hill, is the recipient of the 2025 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.

Watson is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Dustin Watson. His grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Dana Watson of Council Hill, and Mr. and Mrs. Jay Claypool of Muskogee.

The scholarship is presented annually to a Midway senior who embodies the virtues of character, leadership and academic excellence, and has demonstrated a strong commitment to community service. Watson is the sixth recipient of the distinguished award.

“I am incredibly honored to receive this award,” Watson said. “Ever since this scholarship began, I knew that I wanted to be the recipient of it when I graduated. I feel there is no higher honor I could have achieved at Midway and I am very thankful to have been selected.

Watson is Valedictorian of his graduating class and maintains a 3.8 GPA. He served as senior class president, as well as president of Midway’s chapter of the National Honor Society. He served as captain of the school’s Academic Team; was an active member of Midway FFA; and also lettered multiple years in basketball, football, baseball and track & field.

Faith is also a top priority in Watson’s life. He was a member of Midway’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and he co-leads his church’s Youth Bible Study every Wednesday night at the First Assembly of God in Checotah.

“Lyndon embodies the spirit and purpose of this scholarship,” said Laren McAfee, the mother of Leah Collins. “He’s a natural leader, a hard worker and a high achiever, who balances those characteristics with an equally strong desire to help others succeed, too. His perseverance, integrity and future goals make him an ideal recipient, and we’re so proud to support his continued education.”

Lyndon will pursue an Associate of Science degree in Nursing at Connors State College and looks forward to a future career in healthcare.

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.