Dr. Michael Keyton was more than an educator—he was a mentor, a scholar, and a lifelong learner who left an indelible mark on IMSA during his 14 years at the academy. In May, representatives from the IMSA Fund for Advancement of Education were delighted to honor Dr. Keyton’s legacy by awarding the scholarship in his name to Ellen Hsuan, IMSA Class of 2025.
We celebrated this meaningful occasion with Cheryl Clayton, who created this scholarship last year to honor the legacy of her late husband. As a mathematician, musicologist, and professional golfer, Dr. Keyton believed that success came through hard work, focus, and persistence. This scholarship supports students who, like Dr. Keyton, demonstrate a passion for and interest in mathematics. The selected student may even opt to pursue a career in mathematics or math education.
At lunch with Cheryl, Ellen shared her plans to study at the University of Illinois and expressed her gratitude for the scholarship which will have a significant impact on her education. She states, “I am so incredibly grateful to have received the 2025 Michael Keyton Scholarship. Math classes formed an invaluable and integral part of my IMSA experience. As I head to UIUC in the fall, this award reinforces my desire to continuously discover and share the wonders of mathematics with the rest of the world.” Cheryl shared heartwarming stories about Dr. Keyton’s deep commitment to IMSA and how much he believed in the power of education to change lives.
We are grateful to Cheryl for keeping Dr. Keyton’s legacy alive and supporting the next generation of IMSA scholars. Congratulations again to Ellen, and thank you to Cheryl for her ongoing generosity and belief in IMSA students!
