Senior Madison Smith signed and committed to run cross country and track for Harding University. Her fellow teammates, coaches and family members gathered around to watch her sign in the girl’s film room on January 11.

“I want to thank all my friends, family, coaches, and my Lord and Savior for getting me this far,” Smith said.

Smith has run track and cross country for almost six years. She advanced to state in cross country all four years of her high school career and has advanced to regionals in track every year as well. She also participated in summer and indoor track with a team out of Corsicana.

“Running cross country and track for Fairfield gave me a bunch of base experience,” Smith said.  “Being a part of a summer and indoor track team also advanced my running skills, and I thank Coach Tootie for giving me the extra boost in training I needed.”

Her training over the years has granted her a $46,000 scholarship for all four years to run with Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas. As she continues to run and compete with the team, she could eventually earn a full ride scholarship. At the moment she is granted $10,000 a year with an extra $6,000.

“Being the oldest of four sisters motivated me so much more to get a scholarship,” Smith said. “With this scholarship I am able to get my education paid for and do something I love on top of that.”

Smith plans to major in Criminal Justice and Forensics and minor in business. She also hopes to enlist in the ROTC army branch. In order to get into the ROTC program, Smith will have to keep up her grades, her physical fitness, and be an active role model in her community.

“I have been given this opportunity that will open so many more doors for me in the long run,” Smith said. “I am extremely excited to experience what God has ahead for me.”