NATCHEZ — E’Keria Williams had developed personal, interpersonal, social and academic skills throughout high school.

It was these traits that awarded the Natchez High School graduating senior with a $500 scholarship from the Natchez Chapter of The Links, Incorporated earlier this month at the Castle Restaurant.

Williams has been a member of the ESTEEMer Program for four years, where she recently wrote an essay on the importance of technology, which awarded her the scholarship.

“Technology makes it easier to learn at school and go to the doctor to receive better treatment,” Williams said.

ESTEEMer is an acronym for embracing science, technology, engineering, education, and mathematics, where students learn skills to assist them with their personal and professional lives.

“It is very important that we emphasize the importance of technology for this generation of students,” scholarship chairperson Jenette Wilson said. “We want to teach students to be the best in all that they do.”

Wilson said Williams was the perfect example of a student who displays excellent scholarship and leadership skills.

But Tammy Williams knows her daughter, who has a 4.28 GPA, displays something much more.

“I’m very proud of her and all of her accomplishments,” Tammy said. “Her relationship with God sticks out to me the most.”

Williams said putting God first led to many victories throughout her life.

But Williams knows her belief might be stronger than others.

“It definitely set me apart,” Williams said. “In the public school system, many people have different beliefs.”

Williams played basketball with the Natchez High Lady Bulldogs, who captured their second straight MHSAA Class 5A State Championship in March.

A feat Williams thanks God for.

“He allowed us to get two state championships,” Williams said.

Williams received a $75,000 scholarship to Alcorn State University where she will study biology pre-medicine.

“I’m looking to graduate in the top five percent, attend medical school and become an anesthesiologist,” Williams said.

Williams said she will never forget where she started.

“I’m very excited to see what the future holds,” Williams said. “I’m going to miss being a child.”

Williams is the daughter of Ernest Williams Jr. and Tammy Williams.