Finding Greatness: Scarlett Grush
Author: News Bureau
Posted: Monday, May 4, 2026 12:00 AM
Categories:
Students | Finding Greatness | Pressroom | School of Arts and Letters
Macon, GA
Scarlett Grush
English major and pre-law student Scarlett Grush went undefeated in the prelims of the recent Regents Cup, a debate competition hosted by the University System of Georgia. She also earned “Top Speaker” honors and won a $1,000 scholarship.
Name: Scarlett Angela Grush.
Age: 19.
Hometown & Residence: Lizella, Ga.
High School: “I was homeschooled from 1st-12th grades and attended a Homeschool Cooperation Institution called Classical Conversations for all those years. I competed in multiple speech events, policy debate, parliamentary debate, and Lincoln Douglas debate from 6th-12th grade under the STOA debate association and was a three-time national champion. I also did gymnastics, dance arts, and mixed martial arts from 1st-10th grades and violin from 8th-12th grades.”
Family:
“April Borders: My mom and the one who primarily schooled me even through having two jobs for as long as I can remember.
“Shannon Grush: My dad and the one who taught me most of my practical skills and helped me primarily with developing my debate and public speaking skills.
“Aryan Grush: My older sister. She offered me endless support and confidence my entire life. She's a big reason why I can say that I am able to love myself and be so happy about all that I do.
“Jeanette Borders: My mawmaw (grandmother on my mother's side). If there was ever something my parents couldn't take me to because of work, she was there to take me. She's gone to every single one of my events since I was little and had given me so much support alongside my sister and friends.
“Loui: My turtle. I've had him since I was four and he's my favorite thing in life. I have spent hours practicing my speeches in front of him and ranting about whatever I'm reading for school. I still do it even now with my college reading.”
Employment: “I'm a middle school speech and debate assistant coach and research assistant/case developer for the STOA Viribus GA debate club. I'm also a part-time website developer and vendor event assistant for my aunt's small local business, ‘Meadow Mist.’”
Degree Objective: Bachelor of Arts in English.
Class Rank: Junior.
Activities: “I am an Honors student and the president of the Campus Activities Board and the president of the English Studies Organization. I'm the vice president of the MGA Speech & Debate Club and the treasurer of the MGA Macon chapter for TPUSA. I participate in the First Year Knights LEAD program and registered for the Emerging Leaders program in the fall. I'm also an elected senator of the MGA Student Government Association and a member of the Student Life Volunteer Club. Outside of MGA, I'm a registered STOA debate alumna and a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS).”
Career Goals: “I want to be a contract, legislation, and intellectual property rights attorney. Unlike a majority of my peers in STOA debate, one of my favorite parts was researching the cases and reading through all the contracts and legislation and finding all the loopholes and flaws. I'm currently working on writing my own books to be published as well. In the distant future, I would eventually like to teach college level law and writing and maybe be able to continue coaching speech and debate.”
She chose Middle Georgia State University because … “It's where I have always wanted to go. My mom went there and so did my mawmaw. It's always been a presence in my life, and it just so happens to have the exact degree that I want.”
The greatest thing she discovered about Middle Georgia State was … “The Writing Center! It's my number one favorite place on campus. Whether I'm wanting a place to study, need help, or just chill, I go there. They also have resources for English majors like me and it's where the English Studies Organization hosts most of their events.”
Her greatest academic experience so far as a Middle Georgia State student has been … “The Student Leadership Conference of 2026. This past semester, the conference focused on handling stress and failure and learning to grow rather than shutting down. As someone who struggles with bad test/grade anxiety and constant fear of failure, it was a needed and appreciated experience.”
To her, “greatness” means … “To not only be stable and ‘accomplished’ in the general sense, but to be proud of yourself for driving forward and continuing to do so. I've met several people during my time at MGA who I would consider to be 'great.' All of them had the same common traits. They were satisfied where they were at while still having the drive to keep doing more and they all were happy with themselves.”
In five years … “Professionally, I’ll be building up my skills and clientele at a firm or small practice and teaching a few college classes. Personally, I’ll be married to my current partner and childhood sweetheart, hopefully will have become a published author, and will have the stability to travel.”