2025 College Scholarship winners

Scholarship Winner: Caleb Cartee

My grandfather has a saying: when things are sideways, they’re “as messed up as a soup sandwich.” That’s kind of how choosing a college felt at first. There were so many options, and each one had something different to offer. But at the end of the day, my faith was what guided my decision. Mississippi College, soon to be Mississippi Christian University, stood out to me because it wasn’t just about academics. It was about growing in my faith while preparing for my future. The fact that I’ll be in the first class of their 200-year anniversary is just a cool bonus.

Caleb Cartee
Homewood, Ala. resident Caleb Cartee attends Homewood High School.

Faith has shaped every part of my life. It’s helped me navigate challenges, given me purpose, and taught me to put others before myself. That’s why I chose physical therapy as my career path. It’s not just about helping people heal physically, it’s about walking with them through recovery, encouraging them, and making sure they know they’re not alone. Mississippi Christian University will prepare me not only academically but also spiritually for this kind of work.

One of the biggest things I’ve learned through my faith is that life isn’t just about me. It’s about serving others and making a difference by faithfulness. That’s something I want to carry into my career. Physical therapy isn’t just about strengthening muscles, it’s about restoring confidence, mobility, and hope. I want to be the kind of therapist who sees my patients as people first, not just injuries to fix.

College won’t be all deep life lessons and chapel services. There will be tough situations, long nights of studying, and moments when I question why I signed up for an 8 a.m. class. But knowing I’ll be in a Christ-centered environment reassures me that I’ll have the right foundation to get through those realities of life.

At the end of the day, my decision to attend Mississippi Christian University is about more than just getting a degree. It’s about growing in my faith, being part of a community that shares my values, and preparing myself for a future where I can serve others. I want my college years to be about more than academics. I want them to be about becoming the person God has called me to be so I can serve those He has called me to serve.

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