The Starke County Community Foundation this week announced the recipient of the 2013 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship. Bailey Masterson, an Oregon-Davis High School student, will receive a full-tuition, four-year scholarship to the Indiana college of her choice as well as a $900 year stipend to cover the costs of required books and equipment.
The daughter of Aimee Johnson, Masterson said she plans to pursue a degree in psychology and has long been involved in class government. On top of that, she is a long-time member of Future Farmers of America and 4-H, as well as a member of the National Honor Society.
The SCCF Scholarship Committee selected Masterson for the prestigious scholarship from a field of 21 applicants, basing their decision on a variety of factors including academic performance, volunteer and paid work, school activities and honors, as well as a series of essays. Seven finalists underwent a final interview before the committee chose one nominee and one alternate and submitted their names to Independent Colleges of Indiana for the selection of the recipient.
The scholarships are the result of a statewide Lilly Endowment initiative to help Hoosier students reach higher levels of education. Indiana ranks among the lowest states in the percentage of residents over the age of 25 with a bachelor’s degree. There were 142 scholarships awarded statewide.
