ABERDEEN, S.D. – Northern State University students and best friends Abiah George and Kayla Waltman have been accepted into the Honors Law Opportunity Program (HLOP). Both students were approved by the NSU review committee and the USD Knudson School of Law Committee.
The program, a partnership between Northern State University and the University of South
Dakota, helps increase the number of talented and committed lawyers in northeast South Dakota. Each year, up to five students in the Northern Honors Program are guaranteed admission into the USD Knudson School of Law through HLOP.
For George and Waltman, this opportunity is particularly meaningful. The pair have been inseparable since their high school years, where they competed in speech and debate together, graduated together, and now celebrate the chance to attend law school together.
"Growing up in America on a visa, being admitted to law school is more than just an opportunity to continue my education—it’s a chance to fight for the causes I care about and push for the reforms in the criminal justice system I have always hoped to see," George said. "I am especially thankful for my speech and debate background, which not only honed my voice but also unlocked my potential to turn vision into action."
"This is a step and an opportunity toward my goal of using my voice for others. I will never, ever take that for granted. I am so grateful to have been chosen," shared Kayla Waltman.
To qualify for HLOP, students must:
? Be admitted into the Honors Program.
? Maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 and achieve an ACT score in the 80th percentile (26 or above on the ACT or SAT equivalent).
? Demonstrate strong academic performance and a personal commitment to building South Dakota communities.
The Honors Program and HLOP are just two of the many ways Northern prepares students for success in education and beyond.
Photo by Lily Tobin