Angie Thomas Surprises Student With Full Scholarship Win

On a chilly morning in Jackson, Mississippi, something extraordinary unfolded for one young writer. Stephanie Hartmann, a high school senior from Brookhaven and a student at the Mississippi School for the Arts, found herself on the receiving end of a life-changing surprise. On January 27, 2026, best-selling author Angie Thomas—renowned for her powerful novels and her commitment to nurturing new voices—appeared in what Hartmann believed was a routine final interview for a scholarship. Instead, Thomas delivered news that would shape Hartmann’s future: she was the 2026 recipient of the Angie Thomas Writers Scholarship, a full-ride award to Belhaven University.

“I thought it was a prank,” Hartmann admitted, recalling the moment with a mix of disbelief and joy, as reported by WJTV and WLBT. “I wasn’t expecting it at all, and I even thought there might have been a mistake. But the experience was very magical.” For Hartmann, who has long dreamed of becoming a published author, the moment was nothing short of transformative.

The Angie Thomas Writers Scholarship, now a prestigious annual honor at Belhaven University, covers tuition, room, and board for one promising young writer each year. The scholarship was established and is funded by Belhaven University to support students who show both exceptional promise and financial need as they pursue careers as authors. Other finalists for the award receive partial scholarships, but only one student each year is granted the full-ride distinction.

Angie Thomas herself is a beacon for aspiring writers nationwide. A Belhaven alumna, Thomas has authored several New York Times best-selling novels, including The Hate U Give, On the Come Up, Concrete Rose, and Nic Blake and the Remarkables: The Manifestor Prophecy. Her work has not only garnered critical acclaim but has also reached wider audiences through film adaptations—both The Hate U Give and On the Come Up have been adapted into major motion pictures. The scholarship that bears her name is more than a financial boon; it’s a testament to her belief in the power of storytelling and her commitment to paying it forward.

Hartmann’s selection for the scholarship was based on her creative writing submissions, which were meticulously reviewed by both Angie Thomas and Dr. Randall Smith, chair of Belhaven University’s Creative Writing Department. The process is rigorous, with the university seeking out students who not only demonstrate literary talent but also a deep passion for storytelling and the resilience to overcome obstacles—qualities Thomas herself embodies.

For Hartmann, the scholarship is more than just financial support; it’s a validation of her dreams and a doorway to new possibilities. “With this scholarship, I am able to pursue my lifelong dream of becoming a published author by studying creative writing at the collegiate level without the financial burden it would have been otherwise,” she said, as quoted by WLBT. “My family and I are beyond grateful for this scholarship, and I am incredibly excited to see where it takes me.”

Belhaven University’s decision to create and fund the Angie Thomas Writers Scholarship reflects a broader commitment to fostering creativity and supporting students who might otherwise face barriers to higher education. According to the university, the scholarship is designed to “support young writers who show exceptional promise and financial need as they pursue a calling as authors.” Each year, the award process culminates in a surprise for the selected student, and this year’s reveal was especially memorable thanks to Thomas’s personal involvement.

The moment of surprise was meticulously orchestrated. Hartmann arrived expecting a standard interview, only to be greeted by Thomas herself, who delivered the good news in person. The impact was immediate. Hartmann’s initial disbelief—thinking it might be a joke or an error—quickly gave way to joy and gratitude. The experience, as she described, was magical, a word that seems entirely fitting for a moment when a dream becomes reality.

Angie Thomas’s own journey is a source of inspiration for many. A graduate of Belhaven University, Thomas rose to national prominence with the publication of The Hate U Give, a novel that not only topped bestseller lists but also sparked conversations about race, justice, and the power of youth activism. Her subsequent novels have continued to explore complex themes, resonating with readers of all ages. By lending her name to this scholarship, Thomas is investing in the next generation of storytellers—students like Hartmann who have the potential to make a similar impact through their own words.

For Hartmann, the road ahead is now paved with opportunity. As she prepares to enroll at Belhaven University, she will have the chance to study creative writing at the collegiate level, surrounded by mentors and peers who share her passion. The scholarship removes a significant financial barrier, allowing her to focus fully on honing her craft and pursuing her ambitions.

The significance of scholarships like the Angie Thomas Writers Scholarship extends beyond individual recipients. They serve as a reminder of the importance of supporting the arts and investing in young talent, particularly for students who may face financial or societal challenges. In a world where creative voices are needed more than ever, opportunities like this can be life-altering—not just for the recipients, but for the stories they will one day share with the world.

Other finalists for the Angie Thomas Writers Scholarship receive partial scholarships, ensuring that multiple students benefit from the program each year. The competitive nature of the selection process speaks to the depth of talent among young writers in Mississippi and beyond. By recognizing and nurturing this talent, Belhaven University and Angie Thomas are helping to build a vibrant literary community for the future.

As Hartmann looks ahead to her college years, she does so with a sense of gratitude and excitement. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance, the importance of mentorship, and the transformative potential of education. “I am incredibly excited to see where it takes me,” she said, echoing the sentiment of countless students who have found their paths illuminated by the kindness and vision of those who came before them.

With her scholarship in hand and her dreams within reach, Stephanie Hartmann stands as a shining example of what can happen when talent, opportunity, and support come together. For aspiring writers everywhere, her journey is a reminder that the next chapter is always waiting to be written.