Of all the people in her life, Sarah Davidson said her father, James, has been one of the most influential. He &uot;taught me nothing’s ever free (and) you have to work for what you get,&uot; she said. &uot;If you want to get something done, you have to do it yourself.&uot;

This year, the Cathedral School senior wrote a scholarship application essay about her father and his impact on her life for the Burger King/McLamore Youth Opportunities Foundation. And this month, she learned she was one of 837 students in North America to receive the $1,000 scholarship out of 9,500 applications. &uot;I was shocked,&uot;&160;Davidson said. &uot;You never really know if its going to be you — especially if its a nationwide thing.&uot;

Even though only six students in the state of Mississippi received the scholarship, Davidson is humble about what she has accomplished.

&uot;This was a huge honor,&uot;&160;said. &uot;Of all the people in the United States, why me?&uot;

This is the first year for the scholarship program, which honors the work of McLamore, founder of Burger King.

Students who were accepted for the scholarship had to be hardworking, have a good GPA and have a job.

Sarah Davidson works at One of a Kind Gifts on Main Street. Activities she is involved in include the Natchez Honor Society, student council, Key Club and the retreat &uot;peer ministry&uot;&160;team.

She has also traveled to Saltillo, Mexico, twice on mission trips with St. Mary Basilica.

She is also the daughter of Rebecca Davidson. This fall, she will attend the University of Southern Mississippi and is considering a career in pediatric radiation therapy.

Her father’s influence and activities like her trips to Mexico have taught Davidson that she wants to help children.

&uot;It just made me realize you’ve got to do a lot for other people,&uot; Davidson said.