For the Kosciusko County 2017 Lilly Endowment Community Scholars and their families, the four-year full-ride scholarships to the Indiana college of their choice are a blessing from God. This morning at a Warsaw Community High School convocation, Kosciusko County Community Foundation Executive Director Suzie Light surprised seniors Hunter Haines and Allison Miller by announcing they were this year’s recipients. Principal Troy Akers called them to the stage to help with a Christmas drawing, only to reveal Light with her news. Their parents, who were not informed of the news beforehand, were waiting in the wings of the Performing Arts Center stage.
Hunter Haines “I’m completely surprised,” Hunter said afterward. “There were so many people, especially in our class this year, that were leaders and scholars. It’s amazing they saw me above the rest of the crowd.” Maxine Spangle, Hunter’s mother, said she was overwhelmed and joyful. “First of all, this is totally by the grace of God he won this,” she said. “He’s worked hard for this. His first goal as a freshman was to be able to receive the Lilly Scholarship. I’m very proud of his accomplishments. “This is the first step in him becoming the president or CEO of a Fortune 500 company,” she said. Tyler Haines, Hunter’s father, said, “It’s the best Christmas present ever. He has always been driven. If he gets an idea in his head, he’s not happy until he accomplishes his goal. He’s always been like that since he was a kid.” Hunter was ranked in the top 4 percent of his graduating class when he applied, according to the foundation. His school activities have included student council, Kosciusko Youth Leadership Academy, Business Professionals of America, National Honor Society, track and field, Select Chorale, Tiger Student Athletic Board and the Indiana Association of Student Councils. Hunter’s volunteer activities have included founding Designate and Dine, a program that provides incentives to designated drivers who are customers at area bars and restaurants. He’s performed at Wagon Wheel Theatre, is a 10-year 4-H member, and volunteers to raise money for charitable organizations like Riley Hospital for Children and Magical Meadows. Hunter was heading to Riley today. He has held several part-time jobs and works as a corporate accounting intern with Zimmer Biomet, said the foundation. Hunter’s references describe him as a problem solver and a leader. He plans to study business at the University of Notre Dame. His second choice is Indiana University.
Allison Miller “I’m completely humbled and blessed and surprised,” Miller said. “It’s been one of my dreams since I was little. There are so many good people in our class, it could have been anyone.” Her father, Matt Miller, said, “I’m overwhelmed, but I think it’s a gift from God, and maybe it will help her make her college choice a little better.” Allison’s first choice for college is Butler University to study health sciences, with the goal of becoming a physician assistant. Her second choice is Purdue University. “Overwhelmed,” Jenni Miller, her mother, responded when asked how she was feeling. “It’s a blessing.” Matt said Allison works part time at Miller’s Merry Manor as a certified nurse’s assistant. “When she goes there and then comes home, she’s lifted up from the people she works with. It’s just an encouragement and a blessing,” he said. At the time of her application, Allison was ranked No. 1 in her graduating class of 507 students, according to the foundation. Her school activities have included cross country, track and field, Octagon Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, National Honor Society, swim team, Academic Superbowl and Mathletes. She is a 10-year member of 4-H and a member of First Baptist Church of Warsaw. She volunteers in her church’s nursery, is a camp volunteer and has served as a swim camp instructor for the YMCA. She also has volunteered at Feed My Starving Children and numerous other community events. Allison’s references describe her as dedicated, reliable, gifted and well-balanced. In Kosciusko County, the KCCF recommends recipients of the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship to Independent Colleges of Indiana for final selection. The local process is blind in that committee members do not have access to student names when reviewing applications. Consideration for the scholarship is given to academics, community service, extracurricular involvement, work experience, references and essay responses. ICI is a nonprofit corporation that represents 31 regionally accredited degree-granting, nonprofit, private colleges and universities in the state. The scholarships are part of a statewide Lilly Endowment initiative to help Hoosier students reach higher levels of education.
