Between coursework for four Advanced Placement classes, two part-time jobs and preparing for college, Angie Littlefield has been busy over the last year, to say the least. However, she made it through her entire high school career, as she says, with little to no support from her family. “I felt like I had to grow up fast and learn independence,” a lesson she believes will help as she transitions from William Chrisman High School to the University of Central Missouri in the fall. Watching her family members endure personal struggles has contributed to the determination she will carry with her when she leaves.
As she advances on to the next chapter, Angie will have the distinction of being named a Royals Scholar, along with other academic accolades. Before entering middle school, such honors seemed out of reach, including the prospect of graduating from high school. “Things clicked for me during the second semester of my freshman year,” she says. She began running cross country and also participated in Youth Entrepreneurs, a program that teaches students about developing their own businesses.
Angie’s goal is to study accounting at UCM and was surprised that she liked the campus after visiting. “Initially, I wanted to check it off my list, but I actually enjoyed the visit.” Leaving Independence and heading to Warrensburg as a Royals Scholar will make the difference for a self-described frugal individual. “Because of this scholarship, I won’t have to go into debt to attend college.” Angie also earned the Phil Roberts Scholarship through the Independence School District, an award worth $8000 over her college career.
Even considering the monetary value of the scholarship award from the Kansas City Royals, the opportunity to participate in 20/20 Leadership, one that came at the end of her sophomore year, was priceless. Angie was drawn to the program because of its reputation at Chrisman as a program, reserved for top students. “Not everyone could join the program,” she said and admittedly, she saw it first as an opportunity to leave class. “Eventually, I saw program days as opportunities to gain information that can be used in the future.“
