Author Angie Thomas Surprises Teen With Full-Ride Scholarship

Stephanie Hartmann thought she was bombing a scholarship interview. Instead, she was about to get the surprise of her life.

The Brookhaven native and Mississippi School for the Arts senior logged onto what she believed was a final interview for a creative writing scholarship. Then Angie Thomas, the New York Times bestselling author of "The Hate U Give," appeared on screen with incredible news: Hartmann had won the full-ride Angie Thomas Writers Scholarship to Belhaven University.

"I thought it was a prank," Hartmann said. "I wasn't expecting it at all, and I even thought there might have been a mistake."

The scholarship covers tuition, room and board at Belhaven University. Created in Thomas's honor, the award supports young writers who show exceptional promise and financial need as they pursue careers as authors.

Thomas and Dr. Randall Smith, chair of Belhaven's Creative Writing Department, reviewed Hartmann's creative writing submissions. Smith praised her emotional depth, originality, and strong command of voice, calling her exactly the kind of student they hope to welcome.

For Hartmann and her family, the scholarship removes a massive financial barrier. "With this scholarship, I am able to pursue my lifelong dream of becoming a published author," she said. "My family and I are beyond grateful."

The Ripple Effect

Thomas knows firsthand what this moment means. "I remember being that student who needed help to make college possible," she said during the surprise announcement.

By funding this scholarship, Thomas isn't just helping one writer. She's creating a model for successful artists to invest in the next generation, turning their own breakthroughs into launchpads for others.

Hartmann will join Belhaven's creative writing program this fall. One aspiring author who needed a chance is now positioned to become the next writer who opens doors for someone else.

The Angie Thomas Writers Scholarship awards one full-ride each year, with partial scholarships going to other finalists.