Washington School’s Hannah Ashley was recently awarded one of two educational scholarships given each year by the Mississippi Tennis Association. Hannah earned the scholarship not just for her excellent grades in the classroom, but also for her service in the community.
Hannah said she is thankful for the scholarship because it will help her pursue her dream of being an elementary school teacher. Hannah plans on attending Delta State in the fall.
“I know teaching is what I want to do because I love kids so much,” she said. “I have been babysitting since I was 12 years old, and I also recently started being a tutor for young students at our school.”
Before the coronavirus crisis, Hannah was hoping to end her tennis career as a state champion. Hannah advanced all the way to the semifinals of the state tournament last year, and she had practiced all summer to make it even further this spring.
“It was very heartbreaking when everything was canceled because tennis is absolutely my favorite sport,” she said.
Hannah said the crisis was especially hard for her because she likes to plan every detail in her life.
“I am a big planner she said, but with this situation you have to realize that God is in control and you really cannot take anything for granted,” she said. “Going forward I think I am going to be be a lot more appreciative of all the blessings I have each day of my life.”
Hannah said she will miss all of her teammates on the Washington School tennis team, especially her fellow seniors.
“I have so many great friends on the tennis team, and every practice was so much fun. I am going to miss so much about Washington School. It is such a family atmosphere, and I felt like many of my female teachers were like second moms to me,” she said.
