By Staff Reports

Claire Simpson, an upcoming sophomore at Vanderbilt University from Russellville, is one of 28 students to be recognized for receiving a Jimmy Rane Foundation scholarship this year during the Jimmy Rane Charity Golf Tournament May 14.

“I was really surprised and just thrilled,” Simpson said. “I knew it was a way God was providing for our family.”

Simpson said it was nice to see her hard work pay off. To be considered for the scholarship, she went through a rigorous two-round process that included writing numerous essays, as well as a review of her grades and achievements.

“It was as if a heavy weight had been lifted from off of my mind,” said Simpson of her reaction to learning she was named a recipient of a Jimmy Rane Foundation scholarship. “I have been worried about the financial burden my college education has placed on my family. I was honestly speechless for a minute.”

Simpson’s parents – Jeanne Porch Simpson and Peter Simpson – said they were excited to learn about her good news also. “They both were happy that I will have the opportunity to work less hours and focus more on my studies and other interests like volunteering and music,” she explained.

Simpson is majoring in secondary education and English with a Chinese minor. “I’d like to become an English teacher and then also be certified to teach Chinese and go overseas to teach at an international school,” said Simpson. She would also like to teach in metro Nashville.

A big challenge for Simpson during the past year while she was a freshman at Vanderbilt was balancing her studies and her part-time job. Now she’s relieved to have some financial assistance from the Jimmy Rane Foundation to continue pursuing her studies as a college sophomore.

Simpson said she looks forward to what’s ahead for herself. She said the additional funds will allow her to find a job in the career field she is pursuing without having the pressure of working a lot of hours to earn money to get by. “This will also help me invest even more time and effort into my studies,” she said.

While at Vanderbilt, Simpson will also continue to follow her passion for writing.

Simpson also has big dreams for the future students she hopes to teach one day. “Most of all, I want each of them to understand his or her personal purpose and value.”

Simpson has been recognized nationally as a National Merit Commended Scholar and an Advanced Placement scholar. She is a member of Vanderbilt’s Concert Choir and Campus Crusade for Christ.

Her grandparents, Sara & Jerry Porch, live in Russellville.