Elena Lainez
Rachel Bearden
Christoni Key
The University of Central Arkansas Department of Psychology and Counseling has announced its 2020 Richard A. Scott Outstanding Psychology Student Award winners.
Elena Lainez was named the first-place winner, Rachel Bearden was named first runner-up, and Christoni Key was named second runner-up.
Lainez of San Pedro Sula, Honduras, is a senior psychology major and music minor who, after graduating in May, aims to complete the Optional Practical Training and later complete a master’s in mental health counseling. Lainez was awarded a certificate and $750.
“UCA allowed me to have experiences I never imagined I’d have, such as having a lot of research opportunities, learning about graduate school and what steps to take, getting to know the amazing and kind faculty in the department, and sharing experiences with the other psychology students,” Lainez said. “I have learned and grown so much in these four years, and I would not have had the same experience somewhere else.”
Bearden of Sherwood is a psychology major and cognitive neuroscience and Honors interdisciplinary studies minor who graduates in May. She received a certificate and $250. After graduation, she will take gap years to volunteer in the Republic of Palau, conduct research and gain experience in a clinical setting. She aims to later attend graduate school for clinical psychology.
“Receiving the Outstanding Psychology Student Award reminds me that we are all capable of attaining results when we put forth the effort,” Bearden said. “I feel really blessed to be surrounded by so many opportunities, and I think it’s important that students make themselves vulnerable by seizing the opportunities around them. This award signifies the effort I’ve contributed throughout my college career, synthesizing who I’ve created myself to be as a lab assistant, academic scholar and dedicated psychology major.”
Junior Christoni Key of Conway is a psychology major and sociology minor who hopes to earn a master’s in social work or Educational Specialist in school psychology after she graduates in December. She was awarded a certificate and $100.
“I think I’ve done my best to persevere and actively seek out opportunities that enhance my educational experience at UCA,” Key said. “This honor makes me feel reassured and proud of what I’ve accomplished so far.”
The award was established in honor of the late Richard A. Scott, who dedicated himself to undergraduate education in the Department of Psychology and Counseling. A panel of reviewers selects winners based on efforts in the areas of academics, scholarship and service.