A young student from Lakeland has been selected to attend a national scholarship completion in Baltimore later this month.
Townsend Blackwell, 11-year-old daughter of Robert Blackwell and Shandra Blackwell-Rock of Lakeland, will participate in America’s Nationals Teenager Scholarship Organization (ANTSO) Nov. 19-26 in Baltimore.
Based in Nashville, ANTSO was founded in 1970 and focuses on a young woman’s academic potential, contribution to community and ideals and power of women, said Jenny Telwar-Daniel, CEO and owner.
The 2018 event will feature completions, city events and a day in Washington, D.C. said Mrs. Blackwell-Rock, with winners receiving college scholarships, prizes and trips.
“Townsend will represent her title, Miss Southern States Preteen National Teenager, and will compete in the preteen division for girls 10-12 years of age,” said Mrs. Blackwell-Rock.
She is the 2018 gold level recipient of the President’s Volunteer Service Award and co-founded the “Volunteer for Lakeland” group. Mrs. Blackwell-Rock said, “Townsend encourages children to pick play over technology at least 60 minutes each day with her program, “Ready? Let’s Play!”
She is a 6th grade honor student at Tipton-Rosemark Academy.
Mrs. Blackwell-Rock said parents can join the “Volunteer for Lakeland” Facebook group to participate in community volunteer projects. “This group has grown from 3 students in June to 36 active student volunteers.”
ANTSO information is available at 615-405-5107 or https://www.nationalteen.com/2018-nationals
