FAYETTEVILLE -- Omega Sanders, a 2011 graduate of Lakeside High School, was recognized last week as one of the top senior students at a University of Arkansas college.
The Department of Animal Sciences at the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences selected Sanders as its Outstanding Senior Student. She and other students were recognized at the annual honors and awards banquet on April 16 in the Arkansas Union Verizon Ballroom.
Sanders will graduate with honors in May. She is currently under the Arkansas Challenge Scholarship, the A.L. Neumann Animal Science Scholarship and the Arkansas Farm Bureau Romeo E. Short Memorial Scholarship.
She was one of six Bumpers students awarded grants from the college's Undergraduate Creative Projects/Research Grants Program a year ago. Her senior thesis is a ruminant nutrition study titled, "Intake and Digestibility of Tall Fescue Hay Supplemented with Co-Product Feeds."
"I was very surprised that I received the award," Sanders said. "I felt like I wasn't putting as much effort into my classes this semester as I normally do because I've been focusing on vet school and my thesis. It was a pleasant surprise for sure."
Michael Vayda, dean of the Bumpers College, emailed Sanders to inform her she had been selected. He said she was welcome to invite her parents or two guests to attend the banquet with her.
"We are proud of you and appreciate all you do for us," Vayda wrote. "Best wishes for continued success in your professional and personal endeavors."
Sanders is the daughter of Connie Winters and Douglas Sanders, both of Hot Springs. Winters joined her daughter for last week's event.
"I was so glad to have my mom there," Sanders said. "Since Fayetteville is three and a half hours away, it's hard for my parents to take off work and attend functions such as the banquet."
Sanders will next attend the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine in the fall. She chose LSU because she received a contract seat.
Only nine Arkansas Department of Higher Education Grants are offered to Arkansas students. It allows students to attend school in another state for the cost of in-state tuition. The ADHE covers the out-of-state portion of tuition.
Sanders plans to earn a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. She said her destination after college will depend on employment opportunities.
Local on 04/25/2015