HU student receives ‘Realizing the Dream’ grant

Huntington, Ind. - Samantha M. Brown, a sophomore psychology major from Huntington, Ind., is the recipient of the "Realizing the Dream" grant. She will be honored with 30 other outstanding first-generation students from Indiana college campuses at a banquet in Indianapolis on Nov. 6.

Brown's mentor, John Wenning of Huntington North High School, was the one who most encouraged her to seek a college degree. He will also be honored.

Made possible by a grant to the Independent Colleges of Indiana from the Lilly Endowment, "Realizing the Dream" recognizes the triumphs of first-generation students in their first year of college. The student honorees are Indiana high school graduates who subsequently demonstrated superior academic performance during their first year of studies and exhibited leadership in campus or community activities. Brown received a $2,000 grant for her education through this program.

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.