A Christian Center School graduating senior has been awarded one of only six full-tuition Honors Scholarships from Whitworth University — valued at over $200,000.

Michael Marshall will pursue a degree in pre-medicine at Whitworth University, his first-choice school, with long-term plans to become a pararescue jumper in the U.S. Air Force. He views this opportunity at Whitworth as a vital step toward his calling to serve others through medicine.

A pararescue jumper is an elite member of the U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command, trained in combat search and rescue, advanced medical care, parachuting and diving. Their motto is, “These Things We Do, That Others May Live.” 

According to Marshall, this motto deeply reflects his identity as a man of Christ, using his gifts to serve and lay down his life for others.

He said he discovered his calling for medicine during his freshman year when his grandfather was diagnosed with Stage 4 prostate cancer.

"I was tasked with caretaking for him for three months and while I didn’t know at the time, this event really shaped my desire to pursue health care," Marshall said, adding that he wants to serve people to the best of his abilities, in college and potentially in the military after college.

He said this scholarship will academically, financially and personally have an impact on him.

"It makes college doable, makes it something that’s financially possible," Marshall said. "It allows me to really jumpstart my career and kind off just really going on that path that I feel God has called me to."

Another Christian Center School graduating senior, Zeke Sperling, is also attending Whitworth and pursuing a degree in nursing. Sperling was awarded over $30,000 annually in merit scholarships.

Lilee Finch and Ezekiel Stewart will attend Grand Canyon University. Lyla Russell and Carter Siers will serve as church interns for a New Frontiers church in St. Louis.

Christian Center School Principal Annie Marshall (Michael's mom) said she is humbled and honored by the scholarships her students received.

"We've been told by university representatives that it is quite rare for students from smaller private schools like ours to be awarded such prestigious merit scholarships, such as the full-tuition Honors Scholarship," she said.

Marshall said Christian Center School's students have demonstrated deep, Christ-centered values and a faith that has shaped their worldview and purpose.

"These convictions are so rooted in their hearts that they pursue excellence in a way that truly sets them apart," she said. "For our school, this recognition is deeply meaningful — it affirms that even a smaller school can offer incredible opportunities for its students."