KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Twenty-two freshmen have won coveted Medallion Scholarships to begin their studies at Western Michigan University this fall.
Medallion Scholarships are the highest merit-based award WMU can bestow on an incoming freshman. Valued at $50,000 each over four years, they constitute one of the largest merit-based awards in American higher education.
Some of this year's incoming scholars received a WMU Presidential Medallion Scholarship, while others received awards that bear the names of their scholarships' donors or the individuals for whom the scholarships were established.
The students were selected after competing for the awards in the 32nd annual Medallion Scholarship Program Competition held during two January sessions at WMU. Invitations to compete were based on a combination of high grade point averages and ACT scores, and were extended to students who had applied to WMU by Dec. 5, 2014.
This year's Medallion Scholars have an average ACT score of 31 and a grade point average of 4.18. Seven of them come from underrepresented or minority groups. They will begin their studies at WMU in the fall and are scheduled to graduate during the 2018-19 academic year.
The scholarship competition
A total of 754 seniors from across Michigan and the United States participated in this year's competition. The daylong event included essay writing and a group problem-solving activity for the students as well as activities for the participants' parents and families.
The 50 top-performing competitors returned to campus and were interviewed as finalists for the Medallion Scholarship, with 22 ultimately being selected to receive the honor.
In addition to the $50,000 monetary award, Medallion Scholars become members of WMU's Lee Honors College. The college, one of the oldest honors programs in the nation, enhances the undergraduate learning experience by providing such benefits as smaller class sizes, individualized academic advising and a freshman mentoring program.
The finalists not awarded Medallion Scholarships were offered a top-tier Dean's Scholarship worth $6,000 over two years, and all of the remaining competitors were offered the Dean's Scholarship, an award worth $3,000 for their freshman year.
For more information about the Medallion Scholarship Program, visit wmich.edu/medallion or contact WMU’s Erin Leigh at erin.leigh@wmich.edu or (269) 387-2920.
Michigan scholars
Big Rapids
Kelsey Cushway received a Presidential Medallion Scholarship and plans to major in biomedical sciences. Cushway graduated from Big Rapids High School and is the daughter of Kelly and Karen Cushway. A member and president of the National Honor Society, she made the honor roll and was voted on the Student Council all four years of high school. She served once as president of the council's executive board and twice in secretary positions, plus was voted Mayor of the School.
She also was a leader or member of numerous other groups, including the Key Club, Quiz Bowl, Students Against Destructive Decisions, the Climate Crew, Project Outreach and the ELA Language Arts Writing Team. Cushway participated in band for four years, serving as principal French horn chair in various honors bands; playing in the top band, the Wind Symphony; and playing in three chamber ensembles. She was invited to join the local band Con Brio Voce, which is comprised of regional band directors, music professionals and college as well as top-performing high school students.
For four years, Cushway also played volleyball, helping to win the District Championship title as a senior, as well as played softball, serving as team captain for three years and helping to win several district and all-conference honors as well as two Cardinal Awards. In addition, she competed for three years on the basketball team, serving as captain of the junior varsity team. Cushway was voted Prom Princess her junior year and homecoming queen her senior year. Her community service activities have included a variety of church-related activities, the mentoring of young 4-H Club members and three years volunteering at the youth basketball-oriented Cardinal Camp.
Clinton Township
Matthew "Matt" L. Wrightman received the Harold and Beulah McKee Endowed Medallion Scholarship and plans to study music. Wrightman graduated from Fraser High School and is the son of Kelly Vanchina. A member and vice president of the National Honor Society, he been active in the Student Council for three years and in fine arts throughout his high school career.
His love of music drew him to the orchestra, which meets after school hours, as well as to choir and prompted him to take private vocal and piano lessons. Wrightman leads the orchestra's viola section, and has learned to play the violin and cello, as well. His artistic talent also shows on the theatre stage, where he earned three lead roles in school plays along with two chorus roles, with solos. The tenor sang with his school's top choir and its Chamber Choir and has received numerous awards at national festivals.
In addition, Wrightman was involved with the Drama Club, Tri-M Music Honor Society, Peer-to-Peer Autism awareness club, Creative Writing Club and Fraser 4 A's community service organization. During his spare time, he also volunteers in the Fraser Public Schools Music Department and also at the Keith Bovenschen School, which is dedicated to progress for children with special needs. He worked part time outside of school and assists at home for his brother, who is autistic, and mother, who has physical disabilities.
Fort Gratiot
Daniel A. Israel received a Presidential Medallion Scholarship and plans to major in business. Israel graduated from Port Huron Northern High School and is the son of William Israel. A member of the National Honor Society, he was active on the Student Council throughout high school and earned "most outstanding" student awards as a freshman, sophomore and junior.
In addition, he was a four-year member of the band as well as a two-year percussionist for the Drama Club's Live Pit Orchestra. Israel received numerous state and school awards for his work as a scholar and musician. They include being named an Advanced Placement Scholar with Honors, receiving the annual Port Huron Area School District Academic Excellence Award four times, and earning top ratings at state and district Solo and Ensemble Festival events. He considers his greatest accomplishment in high school being selected an Honors Composer for the 2015 Michigan Music Conference.
Israel and a friend created an original piece of music for drumline instruments and entered it in the Michigan Music Education Association's Honors Composition Competition. The piece, "Specks of Blue," was not only selected to be performed during the conference, but also selected to close the concert event. Israel and his co-composer hand-picked the musicians that performed the work, and he coordinated the majority of rehearsals and other organizational work that went into the effort. Israel has dual citizenship with Canada and spent the first and second grades in that country. Outside of his school-related community service activities, he has served as a calculus tutor, volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, and helped friends complete projects for their youth organizations.
Grand Rapids
Madeline R. Reeves received a Presidential Medallion Scholarship and plans to study communication. Reeves graduated from Catholic Central High School and is the daughter of Jane Reeves. A member of the National Honor Society, she took third place in the 2014 Grand Rapids Economic Club Essay Contest and the Rosa Parks Essay Contest. She was a three-year member of the Student Council, which she served as secretary, and the school newspaper, which she served as a guest writer.
In addition, she was involved in theatre and choir all four years of high school. Reeves was a member of all three of her school's choir groups, including its select, audition-only Capella Choir. She traveled with the choirs to several Italian cities in 2014, at one point singing at the Papal Mass. In athletics, she competed on the junior varsity cross country team for three years as well as on the junior varsity or varsity tennis teams for three years.
Reeves has immersed herself in the interfaith/intercultural movement, and was part of AIDemocracy: Hope Not Hate, a fellowship that promotes building relationships between U.S. and Muslim cultures. She was also involved with the Kent Intermediate School District's Youth Interfaith Leadership Council. Through that experience, she coordinated a Youth Interfaith Leadership Conference. Her community service activities have included counseling other students for two years as a part of the Peer Ministry club.
Greenville
Cal Kreiner received a Presidential Medallion Scholarship and plans to major in theatre. Kreiner graduated from Wellspring Preparatory High School and is the son of Elizabeth Witt-Kreiner and Tom Kreiner of Greenville. He was a member of the Student Council for three years and served the organization as a committee chair multiple times. In addition, he wrote, directed and starred in productions for Wellspring Prep's drama department. He also has had a hand in the creation of theatre sets and costumes.
Since 2011, Kreiner has been an active volunteer at the Greenville Community Center, where he has assisted with directing the community children's theatre as well as stage managing, and has assisted in the areas of artistic design, and technical design and operation. He also led teams in landscaping projects at the Gilda's Club in Grand Rapids and has volunteered at the Grattan Academy doing yard work, pamphlet making, building maintenance and event organization.
In addition, Kreiner has been an active participant with the American Taekwondo Association since he was in the second grade and has earned a third-degree black belt. He has worked for the past six years as an instructor for Integrity Martial Arts, leading students from ages 3 to 65.
Inkster
Tayla Hall received a Presidential Medallion Scholarship and plans to major in engineering. Hall graduated from Henry Ford Academy. A member of the National Honor Society, she graduated summa cum laude from the academy, was class salutatorian and served as secretary of the Senior Council. She received the Principal's Award and President's Award multiple times, and was the 2013-14 winner of the Henry Ford's Building Stories Creative Writing Contest.
Throughout high school, Hall was active in vocal music and sang in the school choir and for her church. In addition, she competed for four years on the basketball team, which she served as captain this season. She earned honors as a district finalist three years running, and was an All-State honorable mention in 2013-14. She also competed in track her sophomore year and helped her team finish second in its conference at the state meet.
Hall was active in the 2G Community Service and BuildOn Community Service groups all through high school. Her other community service activities have included helping students with their homework, working with the Autism Collaborative and Vista Maria, and choreographing as well as performing praise dances at her church.
Kalamazoo
Kathleen "Kate" N. Ryan received a Presidential Medallion Scholarship and plans to study biology. Ryan graduated from Mattawan High School and is the daughter of Kathleen F. Ryan. A member of the National Honor Society, she has played the trumpet since the sixth grade and participated in band throughout high school. She was selected at the end of her sophomore year to be a section leader and at the end of her junior year to be brass captain, which put her in charge of about 100 band students.
She also was chosen for a Meyer Music All-star Ensemble in 2013 as well as traveled to Europe with the Michigan Ambassadors of Music the same year. With the ambassadors group, she traveled to seven countries, performing instrumentally and vocally in the choir in five of the countries. Ryan worked for two years to promote environmental sustainability around MHS by co-founding and serving as captain of the Green Team. In addition, she ran track for one year and participated in theatre for two years, performing on stage in "The Wizard of Oz" and in the orchestra pit as first trumpet.
She was third runner-up her junior year and first runner-up her senior year in the Miss Mattawan competition. Through the competition, she became a public figure and leader in the community, playing a role in numerous volunteer and charitable projects and events. Ryan has composed music since the seventh grade and been an active volunteer. At school, she helped out at numerous track meets as well as performed music at various school functions. She has also worked with community organizations such as the Salvation Army and Mattawan Area Pantry.
Lambertville
Kathryn "Katie" M. Bules received a Presidential Medallion Scholarship and plans to major in business. Bules graduated from Bedford High School and is the daughter of Tom and Michelle Bules. A member of the National Honor Society, she was tied at the midpoint of her senior year for the highest ranking in her class of 350 students.
She excels in sports as well as in academics. She competed on the varsity cross country and track teams throughout high school and served as captain of both teams her junior and senior years. In addition, Bules qualified for the state meets in cross country and track three out of four years as well as broke two school records in track.
Her community service has included involvement in the Youth Advisory Council and Relay for Life. She also has been involved in the Bridgepoint Church, helping to support an English language class for adult speakers of other languages, and worked last summer in the teen center at the Francis Family YMCA coaching youth sports.
Lynn
Gabriel J. Hayes received a Presidential Medallion Scholarship and plans to major in chemical engineering. Hayes graduated from Capac High School and is the son of Heather Hayes. A member of the National Honor Society, he has devoted much of his time throughout high school to musical activities.
He participated in band and was selected to serve as first chair of his section all four years. His musical prowess was also recognized during four years of competing at district and state Solo and Ensemble Festival events. Hayes received first division ratings each year for the performances of the various ensembles that he was a member of as well as for his own individual performances. In addition, he participated in the Band of America Honors Band and Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association All-State Honors Band.
Hayes performed on the athletic field, as well, competing on the soccer team for three years. He also served as captain of the Quiz Bowl team and co-president of the 24/7 nondenominational religious group, and was a FIRST Robotics Dean's List nominee. His community service activities have included altar serving for St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, and volunteering for Adopt-a-County Road and vacation Bible school.
Mendon
Dylan G. Clark received a Presidential Medallion Scholarship and plans to major in biomedical sciences. Clark graduated from Mendon High School and is the son of Jeffery and Shari Clark. A member and treasurer of the National Honor Society, he earned numerous academic awards in a variety of high school subjects, including art, history, English, mathematics and biology. At the midpoint of his senior year, he was in line to be class valedictorian.
Clark was a member of the Student Senate for three years and served the organization as president as well as treasurer and secretary. He also competed on the golf team, which he was instrumental in re-establishing after a 30-year hiatus, and earned a letter along with an All-Conference Award. Clark competed in the countywide Science Olympiad throughout high school, picking up one first place and two second place medals, among other awards, all while acting as the student leader for the event.
In addition, he was active in Quiz Bowl and helped keep his school's team vibrant by recruiting and coaching new members as well as developing practice material. He also accepted multiple volunteer positions at school as well as was involved in blood drives, food drives, mentoring and other service projects through the National Honor Society.
Otsego
Kaylie E. Colyer received the M. Jamie Jeremy Endowed Medallion Scholarship and plans to major in nursing. Colyer graduated from Plainwell High School and is the daughter of Andrew Colyer. A member of the National Honor Society, she was on her high school honor roll from 2012 to 2015. She earned a competitive scholarship from the Kalamazoo Section of the American Chemical Society. Throughout high school, she participated in Quiz Bowl and the Red Cross Club, which she served as an executive officer.
Colyer competed in basketball for three years and tennis for two years. In addition, she was involved in art for two years and served on the school paper her senior year. She has participated in numerous community service projects through her membership in the National Honor Society. In addition Colyer was a mentor for Big Brothers Big Sisters and for elementary-aged children experiencing difficult home lives, and she has worked as a Spanish tutor at a local elementary school.
Richard "Matt" M. Sutterfield received a Presidential Medallion Scholarship and plans to study engineering. Sutterfield graduated from Otsego High School and is the son of Lisa Imus of Kalamazoo and Rich Sutterfield of Otsego. A member of the National Honor Society, he was on the honor roll throughout high school and earned the scholar-athlete designation.
He has been studying research methods at WMU with Dr. James Springstead, assistant professor of chemical and paper engineering. The research focuses on the causes and potential cures of atherosclerosis and heart disease. Sutterfield competed in baseball and soccer for four years and was a member of the swim team his senior year. He served as captain of the junior varsity soccer team as well as captain of the varsity team.
He was an active volunteer for his United Methodist Church youth group during his high school career, taking on such projects as organizing an annual fall harvest dinner for the church as well as a year-long mission trip to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In addition, he remained involved with the Cooper 4H Club, serving three years as treasurer and one year as president. An avid snowboarder, Sutterfield was employed by the Timber Ridge Ski Resort in Gobles as a snowboard instructor while a junior and as a rental room staff member while a senior.
Portage
Aisha M. Thaj received the Emeriti Endowed Medallion Scholarship and intends to study chemical engineering. Thaj graduated from Portage Northern High School and is the daughter of Anees Thaj. A member of the National Honor Society, she earned "highest honors" academic awards during most of her high school career and was nominated for the National Society of High School Scholars. She also earned all-around academic awards from the Kalamazoo Islamic School from kindergarten through the 12th grade.
At PNHS, Thaj was active in and a former leader of Peace Jam, as well as a member of the Spanish Club, International Club, Indian Club and Interact Club. In addition, she was involved in the visual arts all four years. She took art class at PNHS and the Kalamazoo Area Institute of Arts, helped create theatre sets at school, and volunteered in the art therapy program of a local residential living community for senior citizens. As a result of her art skills, she won a competition as a junior to design the Portage Rotary Club logo. Thaj is an avid volunteer and earned a VolunTEENS Program of Greater Kalamazoo Youth Volunteer Award in both ninth and 10th grades. She opened and co-led a chapter of Blessings in a Backpack in Kalamazoo as well as served as a Portage City Youth Advisory Committee member, vice president of the Kalamazoo Muslim Girls Youth Group, and a counselor at a drop-in summer art camp.
She also was a volunteer for projects and organizations such as the Portage Green-a-thon, Loaves and Fishes, Gospel Mission, March of Dimes, Chef Therapeutic Riding Center, a local nursing home, and carnivals and dinners at her mosque. During the fourth and fifth grades, Thaj lived in Nanjing, China, where she was introduced to the International Baccalaureate Program. In 2014, she traveled to India, where she volunteered at various orphanages in addition to visiting members of her family, and to Dubai.
Rochester Hills
Logan R. Brown received a Presidential Medallion Scholarship and plans to major in aviation flight science. Brown is a graduate of Notre Dame Preparatory High School in Pontiac and is the son of Patrick and Laura Brown. A member of the National Honor Society, he earned numerous awards while in high school. Among them were multiple annual Notre Dame Prep awards in several categories, including highest honors for overall academic achievement; academic achievement in social studies, English and Spanish; and Christian service, for going above and beyond in his commitment to the community.
Brown also earned accolades for his four-year participation on the swim team. He was a Michigan State Championship Meet qualifier senior captain, the recipient of the 2014 Varsity Swim Team Scholar Athlete Award, and a three-time varsity letter winner. He was involved in the Spanish National Honor Society and served as treasurer for Students Against Destructive Decisions.
Brown was selected by Notre Dame Prep to serve as a tour guide during open houses and as a host to show prospective students what his high school is like. He has been active in his church's youth group for several years, often volunteering as a lighting technician for churchwide retreats and worship events. He participated in a mission trip to Haiti in 2013, and in mission trips to Camp Barnabas in Purdy, Missouri, in 2012 and 2014.
Schoolcraft
Jenna E. Otten received the Alvin Frays Endowed Medallion Scholarship and plans to major in environmental and sustainability studies. Otten graduated from Schoolcraft High School and is the daughter of Jane Otten. A member of the National Honor Society, she was on the Kalamazoo Valley Community College Honor Roll in fall 2014.
She has a passion for science and has taken numerous science classes, intending to continue this tradition at WMU. While a high school sophomore, Otten attended the Hugh O'Brien Youth Leadership conference, which promotes students pursuing lives filled with service and leadership as well as engagement in individual interests that they are passionate about. She was the youth manager for the Drama Department her junior year and participated in band for two years, winning a first rating at a state competition her sophomore year. She also played varsity tennis for two years, serving as captain her senior year. In addition, she played on her school volleyball team and on a travel volleyball team for two years.
Otten has been a member of the school equestrian team since the sixth grade and was the highest point earner on the team the past seven years. She was an active member of 4-H and served her local club as president for two years. As a member of the club, she won the Quarter Horse Clark buckle and awards for high attendance. During summer 2014, she traveled to Italy, London and Paris. She is a volunteer bird handler for the Kalamazoo Nature Center and has volunteered at the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary.
Shelby Township
Michael W. Arellano received a Presidential Medallion Scholarship and plans to major in psychology. Arellano graduated from Eisenhower High School and is the son of Deborah Arellano. A member of the National Honor Society, he participated in a Model United Nations conference at the University of Michigan in 2012.
Arellano was involved in dance throughout high school as a member of the highest competitive team at Suzette's Masters of Dance. He was selected to teach ballet, lyrical, hip hop, jazz and contemporary dance at the school to students ages 4 through 17. As a competitor, he won awards in the Mr. Dance America at Nexstar National Dance Competition in 2013 and Mr. Dance America at Revolution National Dance competition in 2012. During his freshman year, Arellano was also involved in theatre, participating in the Malow Junior High School drama class and choreographing dances for the play "once Upon a Mattress."
He is a member of the St. Kieran Catholic Youth Group and has participated in numerous community service projects through his involvement with the Meditation Club, Gleaner's Food Drive, MJHS tutoring program, Macomb County Rotating Emergency Shelter Team and Frasier Villa Nursing Home.
South Lyon
Maclain A. Canfield received a Presidential Medallion Scholarship and plans to major in aviation flight science. Canfield graduated from Father Gabriel Richard High School in Ann Arbor and is the son of Kevin and Audrey Canfield. A member of the National Honor Society, he has earned numerous academic honors at both FGRHS and Detroit Catholic Central. They include Gabriel Richard Club awards; the Father John D. Sheehy, CSB Memorial Scholarship Award; selection for membership in the National Society of High School Scholars; and the Advanced Placement Scholar Award.
Canfield co-founded the Super Smash Bros. Club, a gaming club that quickly became the second largest club at his school. He competed for three years on the baseball team as a starting pitcher and outfielder as well as on the varsity bowling team, which he served as captain his final two years and through which he won several individual bowling awards. Canfield has been extensively involved in community service activities in and out of high school. They include serving as lead student orientation director at FGRHS, a peer advisor/student ambassador at both FGRHS and CCHS, and volunteering at organizations such as the Faith Medical Clinic in Howell, the Lyon Township Community Chest and the Miracle League of Plymouth.
In his spare time, Canfield has earned a Private Pilot's License and spent two summers building computers for Chrysler employees to increase his knowledge of computers and gain business experience. He was named an extremely qualified student and leader by Congressman Tim Walberg, and at the midpoint of his senior year, was awaiting notification of receiving a congressional nomination to both the U.S. Air Force and Naval academies.
Spring Lake
Lynnae J. Strait received a Presidential Medallion Scholarship and plans to study graphic design. Strait graduated from Spring Lake High School and is the daughter of JoLynne Strait. She was a member of the Student Council during her last two years in school, serving first as a representative of the junior class and then as vice president of the senior class.
A trombonist, she participated in band throughout high school. She played in the Jazz Band as well as the Symphonic Band and led both bands' trombone section all four years. In addition, she was a section leader for the Marching Band during her junior and senior years. Strait earned numerous honors for her musical prowess, including the Marching Band's Power Player Award in 2014 and the Outstanding Trombone Award at both the 2013 and 2014 MSU Jazz Festival.
She also participated for four years in theatre, serving as cast captain during her senior year, and in cross country, serving as team captain, also while a senior. In addition, Strait was a member of the varsity Quiz Bowl team for two years and the track team for one year. She was involved in dance for 12 years prior to entering high school and has regularly played guitar and drums for New Life Community Church and for youth group services at All Shores Wesleyan Church.
Illinois scholars
Champaign
Eliza S. Foli received a Presidential Medallion Scholarship and plans to major in chemistry. Foli graduated from Champaign Central High School and is the daughter of Bryan and Rebecca Foli. A 2015 Illinois State Scholar, she received the Prairie Sate Achievement Award for exceptional performance on the Prairie State Test and received the highest honors designation from CHS from 2011 through 2015.
Artistic on many fronts, she was a four-year participant in band, the orchestra and theatre as well as a two-year participant in vocal music. She played the French horn and spent varying years playing in CHS' top band, the Wind Symphony; the symphonic band; and the marching band, for which she was a section leader and field delegate of the mellophone section. In addition, at the midpoint of her senior year, Foli was on track to become a member of either the Illinois Honors Band or Allstate Band. She played in the top Illinois Music Education Association Orchestra from 2011 to 2015 and was selected to play in the Honors Orchestra in 2014.
During her high school career, she continued to audition and performed in several plays, earning Thespian status in 2015 after considerable work with and leadership for the theatre program. Foli also sang with the Accidentals a capella group for two years and was a member of the Spanish Honor Society for three years. Her community service activities have included involvement with Trick-or-Treat So Kids Can Eat.
Gurnee
Alyssa Boone received the Merze Tate Endowed Medallion Scholarship and plans to major in dance. Boone graduated from Warren Township High School and is the daughter of Laurie Boone. A member of the National Honor Society, she was named an Illinois Sate Scholar in 2014 and a National Achievement Program Outstanding Participant the same year. She has appeared consistently on the honor roll and was named an Advanced Placement Scholar in 2014.
Boone studied dance at nearby dance studios throughout high school. During her senior year, she auditioned for and was accepted into Inaside Dance Chicago's Pre-professional Youth Training Program. She was a member of the Varsity Devilettes Dance Team that took top hip hop honors at the state Illinois High School Association competition in 2014.
In addition, she received school awards for her dance skills while on the varsity team as well as the junior varsity team, which she served as captain in 2012-13. In her sophomore year, Boone created the SPARKS Volunteer Dance Group to share her passion for dance with the community. She was the organizer and artistic director of the troupe, which visited local nursing homes and hospitals to present a fun, high-energy show that Boone choreographed and taught.
Naperville
Jack M. Szott received the Guido and Elizabeth Binda Endowed Medallion Scholarship and intends to study accountancy. Szott graduated from Metea Valley High School in Aurora, Illinois, and is the son of Rose and Gary Szott. Named an Illinois State Scholar in 2014, he was extensively involved with the Metea Valley Business Professionals of America club, which focuses on high academics and community involvement and is the largest BPA club in his school district.
He was elected vice president of the organization in 2014, served a stint as its chief financial officer and twice qualified for the state business competition sponsored by Virtual Enterprises International. Szott competed in baseball for four years, basketball for two years and football for one year. He joins WMU with a Division I baseball scholarship to play for the Broncos. He was a starter on the varsity baseball team for three years and also played an extensive leadership role on the team, which is part of a school system that does not issue titles such as "captain."
His community service activities have included volunteering for the Special Olympics, Feed My Staving Children, the and Loaves and Fishes food pantry. Szott has worked as a youth sports camp instructor and coach. He also co-founded and manages a tutoring service, with fellow students as employees, that provides an economic alternative to hiring professional tutors.
Indiana scholar
Granger
Katelyn M. Mater received a Presidential Medallion Scholarship and plans to major in nursing. Mater graduated from Penn High School and is the daughter of Robert Mater. A member of the National Honor Society, she was named a Commended Student in the National Merit Scholarship Program and consistently appeared on the Principal's Honor Roll.
Among her other accolades are earning the Certificate of Achievement twice for her work as a mentor to freshmen and earning an honorable mention in the Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis Poetry Contest for her original poem, "That Summer." Mater was a member of the Key Club throughout high school. She also participated in the Indiana Math League her freshman and sophomore years; was involved with Spectrum, the PHS student literary and art magazine, her junior year; and the French Club her senior year.
Mater played soccer for three years for PHS as well as the Michiana Echo Soccer Club and participated in powder-puff football one year. She volunteered for her church youth group, and she also was involved in Habitat for Humanity the past year. An avid reader, Mater completed more than 162 books during the past year, surpassing her goal of 150. This year, her goal is to read 175 books.
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