Posted on Friday, May 01, 2026
With a deep love for service and a desire to make a positive impact, it felt only natural for Waights G. Henry Jr. Leadership award recipient Zentrina Choice to pursue a career in education. A senior Elementary Education major with a minor in Servant Leadership, Choice will address her fellow graduates during commencement on May 9, sharing reflections shaped by her journey on the Hill.
“I want to teach students about life and pour into them,” she said. “I will always be in awe of my professors and the faculty and staff who effortlessly loved me.” She credits that support system, including Professor Kim Barber Knoll, Dr. Justin Muller, Dr. Lyn Perry, Dr. Gretta Milam, Dr. Vicki Pheil, Drs. Don and Sharon Livingston, Dr. Melinda Pomeroy-Black and Ratoya Mason, for helping her persevere during challenging moments. “There were days when seeing them were the only reason I kept smiling.”
Coming to LaGrange College to study education and play volleyball would not have been possible, according to Choice, without the Lettie Pate Whitehead (LPW) Scholarship, which Choice received as part of the program’s first graduating cohort.
“This scholarship opened the door for me,” she said. “My South Carolina scholarships didn't all transfer to Georgia. I remember receiving the phone call and bursting into tears.”
Knoll, who served as Choice’s LPW mentor for four years, said it has been an honor to support Choice throughout her college experience.
“She has the heart of a servant and a quiet strength and determination to make the world a better place,” she said.
During her time at LC, Choice stayed actively engaged across campus. She served as president of Black Student Union, a Servant Scholar, a Supplemental Instruction Leader and a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, and a player on the indoor and beach volleyball teams.
“I have loved how much these positions have connected me to the campus,” Choice said.
The Servant Scholars program, in particular, helped shape her understanding of community engagement and service. Guided by Director Jeff Lukken, she and her classmates served locally, including at early learning centers.
“Serving at Yvette's Little World has helped me gain an additional support system that welcomed me in and showed me so much love and advice.”
Choice also attributes much of her growth to the faculty in the Education Department.
“The one thing I cherish about LC is that I never doubted that my professors cared for me,” Choice said. “From daily check-ins, to taking a field trip to the Legacy Museum, I have felt so seen and loved by every person in this department. They are the definition of above and beyond.”
Dr. Milam, Director of Graduate Studies and Education Chair, described Choice as someone who leads with humility and collaboration.
“Zentrina is always quick to acknowledge the contributions of others, and her collaborative spirit makes her an invaluable asset to any team,” she said. “It is this humility, combined with her exceptional abilities, that makes her not just a top performer but a role model to all who work with her.”
Looking back on her four years, Choice says the moments that stand out the most are when the campus community came together, both in celebration and in times of loss.
“Having a large gathering come out this semester to join Reverend Ashley Jenkins in making 10,000 meals was incredible,” she said. “I’ve also witnessed how we band together in times of loss. I have never seen anything more heart-warming than seeing us come together to support each other.”
After graduation, she will teach fifth grade at Riverdale Elementary School in Clayton County, Georgia, continuing her passion for education and service beyond the Hill.
When asked why students should choose LaGrange College, her answer comes without hesitation.
“You will never receive this type of education anywhere else,” she said. “Your college experience is what you make of it anywhere you go, but, when you combine an incredible education with full involvement in campus life, there is no other place to be.”
Category: Academics, College
Keywords: Education, Awards
