All aboard for advocacy: Meet 2025 Community Scholar Maggie Purgason

Maggie Purgason cannot wait to help those in need. It’s why she chose East Tennessee State University (ETSU) to begin her college career this fall.

“ETSU challenges their students to immerse themselves in the community,” Maggie said. “I look forward to the education that will equip me to become a productive advocate for those in need.”
 

Maggie is one of three recipients of a prestigious $40,000 scholarship, awarded annually through Norfolk Southern’s Thoroughbred Scholars program to students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and community engagement.
 

The child of NS Senior Road Manager Chris Purgason from Morristown, Tennessee, Maggie will pursue a degree in communications this fall. She volunteers at Legal Aid of the Tri-Cities, Amedysis Hospice, and is a student advisor for The Rose Arts Center in Morristown.
 

Chris knows the world will be a better place once his daughter’s dreams are achieved.
 

“Maggie is a kind and caring person with passion to help underprivileged people,” Chris said.
 

Since its launch in 2022, Thoroughbred Scholars has awarded $4.48 million across our 22-state network. This year, 100 students—children of our dedicated railroaders—who exemplify excellence in academics, leadership, and community service were awarded $10,000, in addition to the three exceptional scholarships. 
 

Stay tuned! We’ll release a profile on this year’s STEM Scholar soon. Read about our 2025 HBCU Scholar here.