Luke Harris Named Stamps Scholar, Awarded Prestigious Mercer Scholarship

3/19/2026

Ascension Episcopal School

Ascension Episcopal School is proud to announce that senior Luke Harris of Youngsville has been named a Stamps Scholar at Mercer University, earning one of the most prestigious merit-based scholarships in the country. The Stamps Scholar program recognizes exceptional students for their leadership, academic excellence, and commitment to service.

As a Stamps Scholar at Mercer, Harris will receive a full cost-of-attendance scholarship, along with funding for enrichment opportunities including research, global experiences, leadership development, and service initiatives. The value of the award totals more than $277,000. The Stamps Scholarship, established in 2006, partners with leading universities across the country to provide students with unparalleled academic and leadership opportunities.

Senior Associate Director of Admissions and Recruitment at Mercer, Jena Palmer, stated, “To be invited to apply to our Stamps Scholars Program, students must be in the top 10% of our applicant pool, complete a Presidential Scholars Weekend interview on campus with us, and submit a creative Stamps portfolio with a clear demonstration of leadership, perseverance, scholarship, service to humankind, and innovation.”

Harris’ selection reflects his outstanding achievements both in and out of the classroom. At Ascension Episcopal School, he has excelled academically while re-establishing our speech and debate team, helping to found our Youth & Government Club, along with launching civic engagement initiatives. Harris qualified for the National Speech & Debate Tournament, demonstrating his ability as a thoughtful communicator and critical thinker.

Beyond academics, Harris has been deeply engaged in community leadership. He helped organize Ascension’s Youth Civic Engagement Week, coordinating guest speakers and initiatives that encouraged students to become informed and active participants in their communities.

Harris was also selected to serve on the Mayor-President’s Youth Advisory Council for Lafayette Parish, a program that connects students with local leaders and encourages youth participation in civic life.

Ascension Episcopal School faculty and staff are celebrating Harris’s achievement and the example he sets for fellow students. Head of Upper School Sarah Davenport praised his accomplishment and character.

“Luke is known for his kindness and humility; he approaches every opportunity with gratitude. He deeply values the guidance of mentors and teachers who have invested in him, recognizing that growth is never achieved alone. Driven by a desire to serve, he is pursuing a path that reaches beyond personal ambition—seeking to become a servant leader who contributes to the greater good.”

The Director of College Counseling, Stephanie Fournet, added, “Luke is a change-maker. Whether he is drafting plans to make biking in Youngsville safer, encouraging other young people to embrace their civic duties, or mentoring younger members of our Youth & Government club, Luke is always working to make his community a better place. Mercer University and the greater Macon, GA area are very lucky to have him, and I know he will continue to make Ascension proud.”

With this prestigious honor, Harris joins an elite group of scholars nationwide who will benefit from mentorship, collaborative leadership experiences, and transformative learning opportunities during their college careers.

Harris’s dedication, leadership, and perseverance not only earned him this remarkable recognition but also serve as an inspiring example for future Ascension students.

Back

Luke Harris Named Stamps Scholar, Awarded Prestigious Mercer Scholarship

Main Office

Admissions

Get Social