HUNTINGTON, Ind.— Huntington University sophomore Paige Bontrager has been recognized as an outstanding first-generation student by the Independent Colleges of Indiana.
Made possible by a grant to ICI from the Lilly Endowment, “Realizing the Dream” recognizes the triumphs of first-generation students in their first year of college.
Bontrager, a
nursing student from Shipshewana, Ind., has demonstrated superior academic performance during her first year of studies and exhibited leadership in campus or community activities, according to ICI.
She will be honored, along with other students from 31 independent college campuses in Indiana and the mentors who most encouraged those students, during a banquet in Indianapolis on Nov. 5. She is being awarded a $2,000 grant to apply toward her education.
The program also celebrates the roles played by teachers and parents in shaping student aspirations for a college education. After being chosen by their college, the students then named the elementary or secondary teacher or counselor who most influenced them to attend college. These mentors will each receive a $1,000 professional development award. Bontrager recognized Jonathan Cook from Westview Junior-Senior High School in Topeka, Ind.