Nineteen new students win $50,000 Medallion Scholarships
by Deanne Puca
July 7, 2011 | WMU News
KALAMAZOO--Nineteen 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.
Fifteen of this year's incoming scholars received a Presidential Medallion Scholarship. The remaining four scholars received awards that bear the names of their scholarships' donors or the individuals for whom the scholarships were established.
The 2011 recipients were announced in June. The students were selected after competing for the awards in the 28th annual Medallion Scholarship Program Competition Jan. 22 at WMU. Invitations to compete were based on a combination of grade point averages and ACT scores, and were extended to students who had applied to WMU by Dec. 3, 2010.
A total of 683 seniors from across Michigan and the United States participated in this year's competition. The daylong event included essay writing and group problem-solving activities for the students as well as an informational session for the participants' parents.
The 40 top-performing competitors returned to campus and were interviewed as finalists for the Medallion Scholarship, with 19 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 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 Deans' Scholarship worth $6,000 over two years, and all of the remaining competitors were offered a one-time Dean's Scholarship worth $3,000. In addition, every Dean's Scholarship recipient who lives in a WMU residence hall during the 2011-12 and 2012-13 academic years will receive a $4,000 Residence Hall Award to offset their 2012-13 housing costs.
This year's Medallion Scholars have an average ACT score of 30.74 and a grade point average of 4.20. They will begin their studies at WMU in the fall and are scheduled to graduate during the 2014-15 academic year.
For more information about the Medallion Scholarship, visit wmich.edu/medallion or contact Christopher Voss at christopher.voss@wmich.edu or (269) 387-2051.
2011 Medallion Scholars
- Christina M. Bartone of Davidsonville, Md., and recently of Chicago, received the Presidential Endowed Medallion Scholarship and plans to major in theatre. She graduated from the Chicago Academy for the Arts and is the daughter of Paul and Jocelyn Bartone. A member of the National Honor Society, Bartone participated for four years in vocal music; theatre, serving as a student director; and dance, in which she served as captain and choreographer. She also participated in the Presidential Youth Inaugural Conference as a sophomore. Her community service activities included work as a camp counselor for Merely Players and with the Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre, Colonial Players and Talent Machine Company.
- Nicole C. Carpp of Lawrence, Mich., received the Harold and Beulah McKee Endowed Medallion Scholarship and plans to major in biomedical sciences. She graduated from Lawrence High School and is the daughter of Charles and Frances Carpp. A member of the National Honor Society, which she served as president, Carpp earned numerous accolades. They include the Bausch and Lomb Science Award and Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Award. In addition, she was named a National Merit Scholarship finalist, 2010 Lawrence High School Athlete of the Year and was a 2010 Academic All-State Volleyball team selection. Carpp was president of her class, captained the varsity quiz bowl team for three years and participated in Science Olympiad. She also was a member and captain of the basketball and volleyball teams, and was a member of the track and field team for four years. Her community service included volunteering as a peer tutor for her high school and as a greeter and children's community worker for Freshwater Community Church.
- Courtney A. Conrad of Darien, Ill., received the Guido and Elizabeth Binda Endowed Medallion Scholarship and plans to major in elementary education. She graduated from Downers Grove South High School, and is the daughter of Timothy Conrad and Katherine Conrad. A member of the National Honor Society, she earned such accolades as receiving her high school's Presidential Award for Educational Excellence as well as two American Legion Awards. She also was named to her school's all-academic team and named as a finalist for the J. Kyle Braid Leadership Award her sophomore year and as a freshman to the Indoor Prep Top Times state track meet. During all four years of high school, Conrad was a member of the volleyball and track and field teams, served as a leader of Athletes Committed to Excellence, and was a director, leader and participant for Mad Dash and Snowball. She also was a member of the choir for nearly three years, a member of the Spanish honor society for two years and captain of the Superfan Club for a year. Her community service activities included extensive involvement with Our Lady of Mount Carmel as a religious education teacher and assistant teacher, Bible school volunteer and youth group member.
- Jessica L. Dort of Alpena, Mich., received the Presidential Endowed Medallion Scholarship and plans to major in chemical engineering and in biomedical sciences. She graduated from Alpena High School and is the daughter of Bryan and Lesslee Dort. A member of the National Honor Society, which she served as vice president, she has earned such accolades as her high school's Academic Excellence/Academic Letter and an Alpena Area Scholar-Athlete Award. Dort was captain of the varsity tennis team and a member of the German Club and Senior Planning Team. Her community service activities included involvement in Girl Scouts, for which she received a Gold Award; partnering with the Zonta Club to help organize as well as raise awareness and funds through the "Paint the Town Pink" Breast Cancer 5K Run/Walk; serving as Lutheran youth group class representative and board president; and serving as her high school's chemistry lab student assistant. She also participated in a mission trip to Vinnytsia, Ukraine, in 2010 in cooperation with the Ukraine Children's Project and worked in orphanages helping to provide dental care.
- Joseph M. Haroney of Dexter, Mich., received the Alvin Frays Endowed Medallion Scholarship and plans to major in music with an emphasis on violin performance. He graduated from Chelsea (Mich.) High School and is the son of Nicolas and Jennifer Haroney. A member of the National Honor Society, which he served as treasurer, he has earned several accolades. They include receiving the American Legion Outstanding Scholar Award, being named to the 2011 SEC All-Academic Team and being selected as one of the "Brightest and Best Scholars" in 2011 by WXYZ-TV. Haroney was a member of his school's symphony and chamber orchestras and show choir as well as the Chelsea House Orchestra. His community service activities included volunteering with the Chelsea Music Boosters and Habitat for Humanity and participating in the St. Mary Contemporary Choir, St. Mary youth group and North Creek Fiddlers.
- Elyse C. Hogan of Bay City, Mich., received the Presidential Endowed Medallion Scholarship and plans to major in marketing. She graduated from Bay City Central and is the daughter of Patrick Hogan and Christine Reinhardt. She was a member of the National Honor Society, which she served as president; Ecclesia Club English honor society; Students Against Drinking and Driving; and her school's Crest Magazine. She competed with the high school track and basketball teams, was a camp counselor at Camp Meadows Day Camp for special needs children, and was a Relay for Life participant and United Way volunteer.
- Rachel M. Kellogg of Plainwell, Mich., received the Presidential Endowed Medallion Scholarship and plans to major in engineering. She graduated from Plainwell High School and is the daughter of Tim and Julie Kellogg. An honor roll student, she graduated in the top 20 in her class and also received the varsity award for academic excellence. A member of the National Honor Society, which she served as secretary, she also was a member of the yearbook and newspaper staffs, involved with school television productions and the quiz bowl team. She played varsity soccer for four years and was a volunteer for her high school's summer soccer camp. Her other volunteer work included coaching basketball, Christmas Project and Harvest Youth Group.
- Gregory A. Maxwell of South Haven, Mich., received the Presidential Endowed Medallion Scholarship and plans to major in mechanical engineering. He graduated from South Haven High School and is son of Ken and Kathy Maxwell. His work qualified for state competition for the Science Olympiad in 2010 and 2011. A member and vice president of the National Honor Society, he also was a sales representative for the yearbook committee and a tutor for the after school Homework Club. His participation in sports included three years on the varsity soccer team, serving as a team captain and a member of the state finalist team in 2009. He played varsity tennis for two years and was a team captain and a fourth-place conference champion in singles in 2007. He also was a two-year varsity track and field athlete and won the Norm Berry Perry Martin Award for Integrity, Sportsmanship, Intensity and Teamwork. He remained involved in the community by serving as youth leader for the Hope Reformed Church Youth Ministry, a Relay for Life participant, and volunteering for trick-or-treat for UNICEF, Crop Walk, and the National Moose Youth Awareness Program.
- Brandy J. Morgan of Battle Creek, Mich., received the Presidential Endowed Medallion Scholarship and plans to major in anthropology. She graduated from Lakeview High School and is the daughter of Bradley and Bonnie Morgan. She was a member of the National Honor Society, Key Club, Link Crew Leader and Phi Beta Kappa. She placed in the top 20 at the DECA Inc. national competition and attended the Physics of the Atomic Nuclei conference at Michigan State University. She was a summer school cadet English teacher and tutored duringthesummer beginning in 2008.
- Alexa P. Morrison of Warren, Mich., received the Presidential Endowed Medallion Scholarship and plans to major in anthropology. She graduated from Warren Mott High School and the Macomb Mathematics Science Technology Center and is the daughter of Brad Morrison and Karen Morrison. Her accolades include an honorable mention in the Grand Valley State University Statistics Poster Competition and a first-place award for a biology project in the Macomb Mathematics Science Technology Center Science Fair. She played varsity soccer and made the all-academic Team for four years. She also was involved with indoor soccer, marching band, varsity band, wind ensemble, after-school jazz band and District XVI Honors Band. Her volunteer efforts included work for St. Anne's Parish, Macomb Mathematics Science Technology Center New Student Orientation and several Warren Mott High School activities.
- Alyssa B. Murray of Novi, Mich., received the Emeriti Endowed Medallion Scholarship and plans to major in interdisciplinary health studies and in music performance. She graduated from Novi High School and is the daughter of Brian and Alison Murray. A member of the National Honor Society and Novi High School Recycling Program, she graduated summa cum laude and was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. She received numerous awards including the John Philip Sousa High School Band Award, President's Award for Academic Excellence and Kensington Lakes Activities Association Scholar Athlete Award. Her activities included marching band and color guard captain, winter guard captain and high school wind ensemble principal clarinet. Through these groups, she was able to participate in All-State Band in 2010 and 2011 and Michigan Youth Arts Festival Honors Band in 2011. She participated in varsity cross country as a team captain and was a member of the varsity track team. She also was employed as a lifeguard. Her volunteer efforts were centered on Habitat for Humanity, Holy Family Church and the Salvation Army.
- Margaret Q. O'Donnell of Livonia, Mich., received the Burdick Thorne Medallion Scholarship and plans to major in music education. She graduated from Churchill High School and is the daughter of Mike and Tina O'Donnell. She was an Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction and involved in the school marching band, band and choir and the Michigan Youth Symphony Orchestra. She attended Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association Solo and Ensemble Festival and MPulse summer camp. She also was an Early Literacy volunteer.
- Jackson S. Peebles of Schoolcraft, Mich., received the Presidential Endowed Medallion Scholarship and plans to major in psychology and in statistics. He graduated from Mattawan High School and is the son of Paul Peebles and Lori Peebles. A member of the National Honor Society, he was class president, president of Students Against Drinking and Driving, and a Model United Nations head delegate. His honors include High Honor Roll, graduating summa cum laude, Advance Placement Scholar Honor Award and 2009 Michigan State University United Nations Best Delegate. He has volunteered with the Geek Group through the National Honor Society and has been a runner for the varsity track team and its captain.
- Nicole M. St. Louis of Sterling Heights, Mich., received the Presidential Endowed Medallion Scholarship and plans to major in aeronautical engineering. She graduated from Warren Mott High School and Macomb Mathematics Science Technology Center and is the daughter of Gilbert and Lisa St. Louis. She participated in the National Merit Scholarship Competition and the Grand Valley State University Statistics Poster Contest. She was a member of Link Crew student advising group at her high school and a ballet company member. Her volunteer efforts included working with the Fuel Student Leadership Team, Link School of the Arts Outreach Program and Grace Christian Church childcare.
- Janelle E. Sting of Bay City, Mich., received the Presidential Endowed Medallion Scholarship and plans to major in speech pathology. She graduated from John Glenn High School and is the daughter of Bob and Sandy Sting. A member of the National Honor Society, she also participated in Science Olympiad, the school newspaper, and the Leadership Academy. During her high school career, she was recognized: as a member of the North East Michigan Conference All-Conference Academics First Team and All-Conference Diving Second Team and with a designation as a Who's Who All-American Scholar. She also was honored for Outstanding Achievement in Computers, and won the Bay City Morning Rotary Club Scholarship and Monsignor Forbes Scholarship. Her extracurricular activities included varsity cheerleading, varsity swimming and diving, varsity tennis and dance. She also made time for volunteering including for the Bay City State Park Children's Halloween Trail, Bridge River Day Camp, Girl Scouts of Time Re-enactment, as well as with these organizations, First United Church of Christ, Lutheran Child and Family Services, Holy Trinity Church, Natural Helpers, Bangor Buddies mentoring program, and the Mackinac Island Governor's Honor Guard.
- Corey A. Tremblay of Lake Orion, Mich., received the Presidential Endowed Medallion Scholarship and plans to major in interdisciplinary health services. She graduated from Lake Orion High School and is the daughter of Dave and Pam Tremblay. She received the local Lamp of Learning Award every year of her middle school and high school career. She also was varsity lacrosse captain and participated in Challenge Day for three years, a program for high school students to celebrate diversity, end bullying and build self-esteem. She banked more than 275 community service hours with service that included volunteering for Motor City Blight, Camp Copneconic, Scripps Middle School, Exotic Feline Rescue Center in Indiana, the Wolf Park of Indiana and the Great Lakes Rabbit Sanctuary.
- Katherine A. Walker of Davison, Mich., received the Presidential Endowed Medallion Scholarship and plans to major in biomedical sciences. She graduated from Davison High School and is the daughter of Michael and Diana Walker. Recognized for reaching the High Honor Roll, she also received the Citizenship Award and is an Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction and Science Olympiad finalist. During high school, she was Student Class president, Class of 2011 representative and a member of the French Club. She played varsity soccer, including for a travel soccer team; was an intern at the Red Cross of America; coach for the Mid-Michigan Elite Soccer Association; and volunteer for Big Brothers/Big Sisters.
- Spencer G. Watza of Marysville, Mich., received the Presidential Endowed Medallion Scholarship and plans to major in aeronautical engineering. He graduated from Marysville High School and is the son of Richard and Dawn Watza. A member of the National Honor Society and Freshman Steering Committee, he was section leader and freshman instructor for the Marysville Bands. He was named to the all-academic team during four years of swimming and three years of soccer for the Macomb Area Conference, and ranks ninth in his class academically. Besides swimming, diving and soccer, he was active in his school's jazz ensemble, jazz band, concert band, symphonic band, freshman marching band, senior play and several high school musicals. He also volunteered for Task Group 5.
- Mackenzie M. Wright of Mattawan, Mich., received the Merze Tate Endowed Medallion Scholarship and plans to major in secondary education in history. She graduated from Mattawan High School and is the daughter of Troy and Laura Wright. A member of the National Honor Society, she graduated summa cum laude. She was a member of the basketball team, swim team, high school choir and school musicals. She was a mentor for a youth basketball camp and a new student welcome program, a Festival of Trees Volunteer, and a first- and fourth-grade classroom aide. As a Miss Mattawan scholarship program finalist, she participated in a fundraising campaign for Pretty Lake Vacation Camp. She plans to participate in a mission trip to South Carolina with her church this summer.
