William C. Lewis, a 2026 graduate of Auburn High School, has been awarded a Stamps Scholarship at the University of Mississippi, earning one of the nation's most prestigious merit scholarships for undergraduate students.

Selected through a highly competitive process, Stamps Scholars are recognized for exceptional academic achievement, leadership, initiative, and service. Stamps Scholarships are awarded in partnership with leading universities and typically cover up to the full cost of attendance for undergraduate or, in select cases, graduate study. In addition, Scholars receive dedicated enrichment funding to pursue opportunities such as research, study abroad, internships, leadership development, conference participation, and independent projects around the world.

At Ole Miss, Lewis plans to study Biological Science on a pre-med track. During high school, Lewis distinguished himself through a combination of leadership, academic rigor, and community impact. He served as Class President for three years, was Vice-President of Student Council, and led as President of the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council, where he represented student perspectives to district leadership and the Board of Education. As Founder and President of Auburn High School’s Clean-Up Club, he organized efforts that removed over 500 pounds of waste from the community. He served as President of Model UN and UNICEF. Academically, Lewis completed 18 AP courses as a member of Auburn’s Gifted & CAPA Academies and earned a score of 35 on the ACT. He further extended his interests through a highly selective Summer Science Research Internship at the University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford, contributing to laboratory-based research focused on potential treatments for Alzheimer’s disease. He also mentored elementary students, served as a Student Ambassador, and volunteered with multiple organizations across the community.

The Stamps Scholars Program recently announced its 21st class of Scholars and will welcome 393 students from 34 partner institutions across the United States this fall. Selected from a pool of approximately 655,000 applicants, these Scholars join a network of more than 4,400 current Scholars and alumni connected across 53 partner institutions nationwide and into the UK.

“I am incredibly honored and grateful to the University of Mississippi Stamps Scholars Program and to Mr. E. Roe Stamps for this extraordinary opportunity. I am excited to work hard, explore new areas, and ultimately contribute positively through my studies and future work,” said Lewis.

Founded in 2006 by E. Roe Stamps and his late wife, Penny, the Stamps Scholars Program partners with leading universities to support students with extraordinary academic talent, leadership potential, and a commitment to making a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond. In addition to scholarship support, Stamps Scholars gain access to a national network of peers, mentors, leadership experiences, research opportunities, and enrichment programs designed to help them reach their biggest goals.

Learn more about the Stamps Scholars Program at stampsscholars.org.