April 20, 2021 (Jackson, Miss.) - New York Times best-selling author Angie Thomas surprised an unsuspecting creative writing student with news that she won a full-ride scholarship to Belhaven University. During a fabricated Zoom meeting, Thomas suddenly appeared on screen to deliver the good news to a shocked Andrea Foreman.
Foreman, from Wilmington, Delaware, was selected winner of the Angie Thomas Writers Scholarship for her writing submissions. “Reading Andrea's writing was truly a joy,” said Thomas. “She is a gifted writer, and I have no doubt that she will impact others with her gift.”
Chair and Professor of Creative Writing Dr. Randall Smith said, “Andrea demonstrated the qualities we look for in an Angie Thomas Writer's Scholarship candidate: passion for writing, a distinct voice, the ability to realize complex and nuanced characters on the page, and gutsy determination to pursue creative transparency.”
The scholarship was designed to help young aspiring writers who need the extra support to make their dreams of authorship a reality. “Let's face it - the financial burden of college is a huge obstacle for so many young people; it was one for me,” observed Thomas. “By giving Andrea this scholarship, she will be able to focus more on her studies and writing, which will allow her gift to thrive.”
Foreman is the second student to win the scholarship, which covers tuition, room and board at the University for four years. “Honestly, I'm so excited!” said Foreman. “It's a dream come true to win a full-ride scholarship and attend a university dedicated to creative writing.” The Angie Thomas Scholarship is awarded to only one incoming freshman each year, but other applicants received partial scholarships.
The scholarship was named in honor of Belhaven University alumna Angie Thomas '11, author of New York Times best-selling novels“Concrete Rose,” “On the Come Up,”and“The Hate U Give.” “The Hate U Give”was developed into a major motion picture, and Thomas is also working as a producer on the film version of“On the Come Up.”
“It means the world to me to have a scholarship in my honor and to know that Belhaven has this level of pride for me,” said Thomas. “Even more than that, it's incredible to know that this award will play a huge role in a young writer's life. That alone is an honor.”
Watch the moment when Angie Thomas told Andrea Foreman she was the winner of the Angie Thomas Writers Scholarship.