Jeffthan Glaster, an incoming senior at Smith-Cotton High School, was awarded the “Man In The Arena” Vogel Family Scholarship worth up to $100,000 during the closing convocation of the 2024 session of Missouri Boys State on July 6 at Lindenwood University in St. Charles.

The scholarship is awarded annually to one Missouri Boys State participant based on merit of the applicant and need; it is named in honor of President Theodore Roosevelt’s “Citizen in a Republic” speech, which was a call to citizens to engage in public service.

“As announcements were being made, I had been praying,” Glaster said. “When I heard my name called, I felt very joyful, thankful, and my determination moving forward only grew. My thoughts were solely focused on thanking everyone that had aided me towards that opportunity and into the man I am today: The Lord, my family, my mentors, my educators, and my friends.”

Glaster plans to attend the University of Missouri-Kansas City’s six-year accelerated B.A/M.D. medical program with the goal of being an orthopedic surgeon.

His S-C activities include Speech & Debate, band (jazz, marching, concert), choir, Thespian Society, Math Team, HOSA, FCCLA, FBLA, tennis, track, Scholar Bowl, Envirothon, Medical Explorers, and Anatomage, which is a 3D anatomy visualization and virtual dissection tool for anatomy and physiology education. Glaster also has been championing a project to extend sidewalks around Smith-Cotton High School, past the Loftus Early Childhood Center and up Tiger Pride Boulevard to 65 Highway.
The “Man In The Arena” scholarship is a blessing and a relief for Glaster.

Glaster expressed gratitude to the Sedalia Sons of the Legion, who sponsored his participation at Missouri Boys State. He also provided encouragement to other students with aspirations.