Three Kosciusko County seniors are now assured that they can attend the Indiana college of their choice after receiving full-ride scholarships from Lilly Endowment Inc.

Kelsi Foreman and Kyle Masur, both of Warsaw Community High School, and Rebecca Menzie, Whitko Community High School, learned Wednesday that they had been chosen by the selection committee. As a result, their tuition and books will be fully paid when they attend any college, public or private, in Indiana.

The seniors were chosen by a committee that considered volunteer and community service, work experience, school activities, academics, goals and the students' responses to an essay question. Applicants were considered on the basis of merit only, because all identifying information, such as the student's name, school or parents' names, had been removed from the applications.

Foreman, daughter of Randy and Darla Foreman, said she plans to attend Bethel College because "I feel like that's where God's leading me." She wants to major in international studies and minor in English, with plans to teach overseas.

She has been in student council at WCHS for four years; is a member of National Honor Society, drama club and Festival Choir; has been an exploratory teacher at a local elementary school and a soup kitchen volunteer; and will go to Nepal this summer with Teen World Outreach on philanthropic and mission work.

All the students were asked what influential faces of the 20th century they would put on a new Mount Rushmore. Foreman's choices were Rosa Parks, the Rev. Billy Graham, Ruth Priddy (an acquaintance who overcame great obstacles) and Jeannie McCormick, a WCHS teacher.

Masur, son of Dennis and Lori Masur, said he plans to attend Butler University because he wants to major in computer science and "Indianapolis has lots of internship chances for computer science."

During high school Masur has participated in Kosciusko Youth Leadership Academy, Spanish Club, SADD, Mathletes and student council. He also has been a member of National Honor Society, mens varsity soccer team, Future Leaders of America and Academic Advisory Committee.

Masur also has been a part of the Governor's Commission for a Drug-Free Indiana and a DARE role model, and has volunteered at the soup kitchen and Knights of Columbus Tootsie Roll Drive.

His Mount Rushmore faces would include the American G.I., Thomas Edison, Pope John Paul II and Roz Morgan, director of Our Father's House, Warsaw.

Menzie, daughter of Philip and Deborah Menzie, will attend Anderson University to study music because Anderson is affiliated with her church. She said she would like to get involved in music ministry or music education.

She has participated on her school's academic team, has written and arranged a song for the marching band, and has been in concert band, IPFW Tri-State Honor Band, ISSMA State solo and ensemble, jazz band, marching band and Manchester College Symphony Orchestra.

Menzie also has volunteered with the Fort Wayne Rescue Mission, at an inner-city child care and nursery school and at her church.

Foreman, Masur and Menzie and their parents will attend a dinner in June given by Lilly Endowment for all the winners in the state. Their scholarships were awarded through Kosciusko County Foundation. [[In-content Ad]]