NATCHITOCHES – Each Northwestern State University student who wins the Northwestern State – Lady of the Bracelet Scholarship Program receives a bracelet containing the name of each past winner of the event. The bracelet is highly cherished, but to this year’s winner, Makenzie Scroggs, it means a little bit more. The bracelet contains not only her name, but the name of her mother Rebecca (Dauzat) Scroggs who won the scholarship program in 1998. It is the first time the daughter of a previous program winner won the title.

“Wearing the bracelet with both our names is heartwarming,” said Scroggs. “My mom is like my best friend so being able to wear both of our names on the bracelet is something that I am beyond grateful for. Immediately after I was crowned and saw the bracelet, I looked for my mom’s name because it was so important to me.”

Scroggs is a sophomore dance major from Marksville. She is a member of the Demon Dazzlers, Dance Organization of Students and the Presidential Leadership Program. At Avoyelles Public Charter School, Scroggs was National Honor Society treasurer, a top 10 graduate, CLI Ambassador, Elite Competition Dance Team Member and National Talent Winner.

Scroggs said her mother enjoyed being in the scholarship program and encouraged her to enter similar contests and eventually compete for the title of Miss Northwestern-Lady of the Bracelet.

“She has always talked about how much fun the experience was and how it made her into the person she is today,” she said. “When I realized I wanted to come to Northwestern State, I knew I had to get the same experience she did. I also love the Miss America Organization and everything it stands for. I love how much service means to the organization since I grew up as a person who believes in giving back in any way possible.”

Scroggs credits the scholarship program with helping her succeed.

“I have been doing contests since I was born,” said Scroggs. “I would not be the person I am today without them. Growing up competing helped me with my self-confidence, my communication skills and taught me how to step out of my comfort zone. I have meet some of my life-long best friends through contests. I am forever grateful for the life lessons I have learned through it.”

Scroggs’ social impact initiative is Being True to Being You, Cultivating Confidence in Future Female Leaders. The idea came from her middle school experience,

“When I was in sixth grade, I had changed schools and all of my friends pretended like I did not exist,” she said. “They made me feel like I was not good enough to be friends with them. This completely brought my confidence down. With the help of my mom and dance teacher, I regained my confidence back. I then realized that not everyone has a person or people to lift them up and help them build their self-confidence. I wanted to be that person for people.”

She started the initiative when she was 15. Scroggs has talked to moe than 400 young girls about the importance of confidence through her self-development workshops.

“These workshops allow these girls to leave feeling like they can achieve anything that they put their mind to,” said Scroggs. “I plan to make a difference on campus through my social impact, Being True to Being You. I hope to show everyone the importance of being true to yourself and having confidence. When you are confident, you can follow your dreams and achieve anything you put your mind to.”

Scroggs will represent Northwestern State in June’s Miss Louisiana Scholarship Program in Monroe.