Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
SYRACUSE – Wawasee High School senior Isaiah Metcalf learned Wednesday he was accepted to the University of Notre Dame to study pre-medicine.
The next day he found out he won’t have to pay for his education.
Metcalf is one of two local recipients of four-year, full-tuition scholarships to the Indiana colleges of their choice as Kosciusko County 2018 Lilly Endowment Community Scholars.
The other 2018 Lilly Endowment Community Scholar is Warsaw Community High School senior Eric Williamson.
“I’m over the moon. Elated. I can’t even describe it. My life dream. A great Christmas present,” Metcalf, who was visibly shaken, said after Kosciusko County Community Foundation Executive Director Suzie Light made the announcement.
His parents are Daryl “Scott” and Angela Metcalf.
“You can’t even put it into words how it feels,” Scott said. “Last night when he received his acceptance to Notre Dame, that was a dream come true. This makes that dream a reality.”
At the time of his application, Metcalf was ranked No. 2 in his graduating class.
His school activities have included varsity swim team, Warrior Leadership Committee, Student Council and National Honors Society.
His community activities have included his church’s youth group, Tri-Level Student Leadership Institute and PRO Swim Club. Metcalf’s community service has been extensive and includes volunteering for eight community and charitable organizations. He also worked 40 hours per week during the summer for Fisherman Cove Resort, where he provided customer service and lawn care, and pumped gasoline for boats. Additionally, Metcalf has had a part-time job as a swim instructor.
His references described him as a motivated, dependable, respected role model and leader.
Wawasee School Corp. Superintendent Dr. Tom Edington said, “We’re, of course, very appreciative and thrilled with Isaiah’s success through the application and selection process. We prepare students well for college and career. It’s great to see the work Isaiah has done rewarded.”
The Kosciusko County Community Foundation recommends recipients of the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship to Independent Colleges of Indiana for final selection. Committee members do not have access to student names when reviewing the applications. Scholarship selection criteria include academic excellence, community service, extracurricular involvement, work experience, references and essay response.
ICI is a nonprofit corporation that represents 31 regionally accredited nonprofit, private colleges and universities in the state.
The scholarships are a result of a statewide Lilly Endowment initiative to help Hoosier students reach higher levels of education.
Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based philanthropic foundation created in 1937 by three members of the Lilly family through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Co. The endowment supports the causes of community development, education and religion.
