Impact of the Terry Scholarship

by Rachel Myers (14)

Last Friday, I was in class that had a guest lecturer who began his discussion with the question, “Who is one person you’d like to have dinner with?” That is a difficult and revealing question, it makes you think about if the rules of nature did not apply, who would you want to know? My first immediate response was Mr. Howard Terry. I would love to meet Mr. Terry and ask him about his business deals, his football stories, and his full life. But really, I want to meet the man that gave so generously to all of us. What did he sound like at a dinner party, what was his sense of humor like, and most of all, how did he decide that his legacy would be full of students that he would eventually never know? What made him put his faith in us? The Terry has impacted me in two main ways, and I hope some of you can relate.
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          The first way the Terry scholarship impacted me was through this idea of giving someone you never knew, more than they could ever deserve. I love the Terry because it helped me understand my faith.  Jesus gave his life, for me and you, when we least deserved it. I don’t know if Mr. Terry was a Christian, but the foundation is a reflection of the Gospel of Jesus. When I received the Terry it challenged me, really it obligated me, to live and love like Mr. Terry. To always give generously, in monies and grace, past the point of what is deserved.

Secondly, the Terry impacted my life most of all way before I received the check because I was given each of you. I have been overwhelmed with how many wonderful, humble, intelligent, driven, interesting, and kind people wear the name Terry Scholar. I do not know how I made the cut but I will be forever grateful! You are quick, you run on a different level, and you demand more of yourself in every area of your lives.  I can say with full confidence, Mr. Terry absolutely put his faith in the right people. 
          In conclusion, the Terry gave me not only an education and opportunity, but a way to better understand my faith, and it gave me all of you. When I look back, almost every bullet point on my resume, favorite memory, and precious experience, have been connected to the Terry in some way. Thank you to Ms. Moody, Holly, and the foundation for brining that legacy to life, to Ms. Medley for being our biggest pusher, and to Mr. and Mrs. Terry for creating the irreplaceable legacy within this room. Thank you all for changing my life. You may be tired of hearing it now! And it feels insufficient, but I will never stop staying thank you. To each scholar in this room, never forget these moments and the legacy we carry. And most of all, I challenge you to never stop saying thank you. 

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