Calleigh Hitt
Name: Calleigh Hitt
High School: Holy Ground Baptist Academy (Carroll County)
College (Current or Future): University of West Georgia
Major/Intended Major: Chemistry
Financial Aid Program: Zell Miller Scholarship
According to Calleigh Hitt, “I was able to graduate with a bachelor's in chemistry from the University of West Georgia (UWG) without accruing any debt because of the financial aid I received, of which the Zell Miller Scholarship was a significant part.
“The Zell Miller Scholarship has put me in an excellent position to begin at professional school in the fall without worrying about interest building up as I continue my studies.”
The same study habits that led to Hitt’s postsecondary success were in use before she stepped foot on the UWG campus.
“When I was preparing to apply to undergraduate programs,” Hitt said, “my family and I did research on scholarships and other funds that would help decrease the cost of attendance.”
Hitt’s grades at Holy Ground Baptist Academy, as well as her standardized test scores made her eligible for the Zell Miller Scholarship. She also received the UWG Presidential Scholarship, which covered the rest of her expenses for her four undergraduate years.
“Those awards enabled me to focus on my studies without worrying about debt,” Hitt said to the Times-Georgian, “which has been an incredible blessing.”
While at UWG, Hitt served as a lab assistant and supplemental instructor within the chemistry department.
“She is well respected for her patience and professionalism among her peers,” said Dr. Sharmistha Basu-Dutt, professor and chair of the UWG chemistry department. “Calleigh Hitt has been praised by her instructors for her intelligence, maturity, work ethic and amazing attitude.”
A positive attitude is something Hitt advises fellow Georgians to find within their circle of friends to ensure future success.
“Find like-minded people who have similar goals. Be sure to encourage each other and help each other when you can,” Hitt said. “It can be very easy to get distracted from what needs to be done, so having people around you that can help you realize when that is happening is excellent.”