Huntington University honors Presidential Scholars
FOR RELEASE: Thursday, February 8, 2007
HUNTINGTON, IN - Fifty-two future Huntington University students were awarded a Presidential Scholarship of $7,000 during the sixth annual Presidential Scholar Celebration Day on Feb. 9. In addition, some of these students received an additional Colloquium Scholarship of $1,500. The Presidential and Colloquium Scholarships at Huntington University are the highest honors bestowed on an incoming student. Academic criteria for the Presidential award are a 3.6 grade point average and either a 1250 SAT or 28 ACT score. The additional Colloquium Scholarship is awarded to students who achieve a 1320 SAT or 31 ACT score. The Presidential and Colloquium scholarships can continue to be awarded annually throughout the student's academic career at Huntington University if he or she continues to demonstrate high achievement.
The Celebration Day provided an opportunity for the Presidential Scholars and their families to learn more about the experiences of other high-achieving students at Huntington University and to meet with faculty within their chosen academic divisions. Scholarship recipients also met with current students, recent alumni, and University staff members to gain insights about degree programs, internship opportunities, campus life, and the integration of faith and learning.
During the Presidential Scholar Luncheon, each recipient was introduced by Dr. Norris Friesen, vice president and dean of the University, and presented with a certificate by Dr. G. Blair Dowden, president of the University.
The following individuals were recognized as Presidential Scholars and will receive a scholarship of $7,000. Those denoted with an asterisk (*) will receive the additional $1,500 Colloquium Scholarship.
Editor's Note: Click thumbnail images below for high-resolution photos of Huntington University President Blair Dowden congratulating each scholarship recipient.
Joel Bain
Originally from California, Joel now resides in Aurora, Illinois. Joel attends Aurora Christian School and has been an active member of the basketball team, Chess and Spanish Clubs as well as the Worldwide Youth in Science and Engineering organization. Joel is currently undecided about his college major but has a strong interest in broadcasting.
Jordan Binkerd*
Jordan is from Andrews, Indiana, where he attends Grace Academy. He is in the process of completing the requirements to become an Eagle Scout as he has been a Boy Scout for six years. Jordan has participated on the Huntington Eagles Basketball team for the last three years and has been a Vacation Bible School leader and worship team member at church. He is currently interested in pursuing a degree in history.
Phil Black*
Phil is from Moscow, Russia, where his father teaches in the Russian American Christian University. Phil currently attends Hinkson Christian Academy where he has participated in both soccer and basketball overseas along with Beta Club as treasurer. Phil is the high school's co-chaplain and chapel worship leader.
Ethan Blocher-Smith*
Ethan is currently a student at Lion of Judah Academy in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He has been an active member of the Speech and Debate team, Royal Rangers, and is a teaching assistant for Latin. He has also passed the FAA Flight Exam and logged over thirty hours as a pilot. Ethan will enroll in the pre-med program with emphases in chemistry and mathematics. He plans to pursue a career in biochemical and genetic research.
Ryan Boden*
Hailing from Adrian, Michigan, Ryan attends Lenawee Christian School where he plays basketball and baseball. He displays his leadership ability not only through sports but by serving as student body vice president, participating in National Honor Society, and by volunteering with Big Brothers / Big Sisters. Ryan plans to study in the pre-med program. He looks forward to continued volunteer service as a college student and is interested in opportunities to study abroad.
Chelsea Bradburn*
Chelsea is from Huntertown, Indiana where she attends Heritage Mission. She will pursue a degree in elementary education in the fall and hopes to teach in Israel one day. Chelsea is a member of Toast Masters International. She has also participated in several missions trips to Ethiopia, Haiti and Papa New Guinea. She is a member of Clowns with a Message; her specialty is face-painting.
Ashlyn Brady
Ashlyn is from Macomb, Michigan and attends Dakota High School. She has participated in the cheer squad, student government, and both the regional and state honors choir. She is also active in her church leadership team and Bible quizzing and worship teams. Ashlyn plans to pursue a music-education degree with a desire to one day become a contemporary Christian artist.
Joel Bullis
From Bel Air, Maryland, Joel attends C. Milton Wright High School. There he is a member of the marching band where he plays percussion and trombone. He is also a member of the yearbook staff, drama department, and Bible Club. An accomplished musician, Joel plays the keyboard and drums. He will pursue a degree in digital media arts in the fall.
Evan Carlson
Evan is a home-schooled student from Waunakee, Wisconsin. He plans to pursue a degree in political studies. He has a career interest in public service, particularly at the local or state level. Evan is a member of the Video Team and Tech Team at local churches and has participated in a missions trip to Guatemala. He is also an avid pianist and has written over 30 musical compositions.
Megan Carnahan
Megan is from Leo, Indiana, where she attends Lakewood Park Christian School. Megan has participated in Student Council, National Honor Society, V.O.I.C.E (a community service group) and the varsity softball and volleyball teams. She will pursue a degree in business and would like to use those skills one day to serve a non-profit organization or missions agency.
Nick Colgrove
Nick is from Berea, Ohio. He attends Berea High School where he is involved in marching band, drumline, symphonic orchestra and is a four-year honor student. He will pursue a degree in communications with an emphasis in film studies.
Matt Fisher*
Born in Washington, Matt now resides in Roanoke, Indiana and attends Canterbury High School in Fort Wayne. Matt is a Youth for Christ/Campus Life student leader, and has been a member of the varsity soccer team, Key Club and the student newspaper. He has also participated in missions trips to Brazil and Honduras. He plans to pursue a degree in biology.
Travis Frantz*
Travis attends Fremont High School and resides in Fremont, Indiana. He has been an active member of Student Council. Travis has also participated on the varsity baseball team for the last four years as well as the football and basketball teams. He plans to pursue a degree in exercise science with hopes of becoming a college level baseball coach one day. (Note: A recent injury prevented Travis from participating in the February 9 ceremony.)
Corinne Gates
Corinne is a home-schooled student from Knox, Indiana. She plans to pursue a degree in graphic design. Corinne also has an interest in being an illustrator. She has taken dance lessons for the past several years and has had the opportunity to be a dance instructor. Active in her church, Corinne has been an assistant Bible teacher, helped with Vacation Bible School, and coordinated arts and crafts.
Cameron Gibbs*
Cameron is from Geneva, Illinois. A senior this year at Geneva Community High School, he has been involved in wrestling, orchestra and the Acceleration and Enrichment Program. Cameron is interested in studying accounting with a minor in philosophy. He plans to become an accountant and recording artist after graduation.
Jared Grandlienard*
Jared is from Monroe, Indiana where he attends Adams Central High School. He participates with Youth for Christ/Campus Life, tennis, track and show choir. Jared has also participated in mission trips to Guatemala and Mexico. He plans to pursue a degree in mathematics.
Jacob Grimm
Jacob is from Auburn, Indiana where he attends Lakewood Park Christian School. He has been involved in National Honor Society, baseball, soccer and basketball for the past four years. He has received awards as an All American Scholar, Who's Who American Among High School Students, USAA National Leadership Merit and the MAC Academic All Conference. Jacob will pursue a degree in business.
Josh Harrison
Josh attends Bryan High School in Bryan, Ohio. As a high school student, Josh has had the opportunity to be involved in Theatre Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and Latin Club. Josh is currently undecided in his major but has a passion for music and may consider a major in worship leadership, English or sociology.
Melissa Hicks
Melissa is part of a missionary family serving in Senegal, Africa. Melissa attends Dakar Academy and is involved in Student Senate, National Honor Society, spring musicals, Pre-Field Orientation (PFO) and leads an in-home Bible study. She will study psychology in college and plans to pursue her master's degree after graduation.
Brittany Hosford
Brittany is from Albion, Indiana. She attends Central Noble High School where she is involved in volleyball, tennis, student government and National Honor Society. Brittany is also a member of the Youth Leadership Team at her church. Although currently undecided in her major, Brittany is considering a communications degree with emphasis in public relations.
Alex Howell*
Originally from San Francisco, California, Alex now resides in Moores Hill, Indiana. Alex is a home-schooled student and is the oldest of eight children. He has been involved in basketball and baseball for the last several years and has an interest in pursuing a business degree while in college. Alex also has an interest in Civil War reenactment.
Krista Johnson
Krista is a senior at Rushford - Peterson High School in Rushford, Minnesota. She is co-president of Students Against Drunk Driving and participates in Student Council and Spanish Club. Krista also participates in various activities at her church, is an active member of Girl Scouts and was named Miss Rushford 2006. At this time, she plans to pursue a ministry major.
Eleanor Kernitz*
Eleanor attends Schaumberg Christian School and resides in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. She is proficient at several instruments including piano, flute and percussion and has participated on the high school's volleyball and basketball teams. She has also received recognition in the Who's Who Among American High School Students publication during all four years of high school. Eleanor is interested in studying music education and would like to one day teach music in a Christian high school.
Carita Landes
Carita is from Sheridan, Illinois, and attends Sheridan High School where she participates in Spell Bowl, Spanish Quiz Bowl, Sunshine Society and National Honor Society. Carita plans to pursue a degree in graphic design and is also considering a minor in Spanish. She also has an interest in playing softball while in college.
Jeff Locklin*
Jeff is from Wales, Wisconsin, where he attends Kettle Moraine High School. Jeff was voted Best Animator in the Milwaukee Spotlight Student Film Festival. He plans to pursue a degree in digital media arts with an emphasis in animation. He has a goal of one day working in a major production company developing animated films. Jeff has also participated in several missions trips to Mexico, Poland and Louisiana and is a member of French Club, Math Team and Evangelism Explosion.
Darci Long
From Van Wert, Ohio, Darci attends Van Wert High School. She has been involved in marching band, symphonic band, Spanish Club, Globally Active People, Beta Club and Tennis. Darci has also traveled to Venezuela and Brooklyn on youth missions trips. She plans to pursue a degree in communication studies and also has interests in working with missions. (Note: Illness prevented Darci from participating in the Celebration Day.)
Cassie Mansheim*
From Burnsville, Minnesota, Cassie is a senior this year at Southwest Christian High School. She is a member of the Homeward Bound Theatre Company. She enjoys choir, drama and band and has participated on the volleyball team. Cassie desires to pursue medicine on the mission field and will enroll in the pre-med program in the fall.
Andrew Martin*
Andrew is from Eaton, Ohio. He is a home-schooled student who is very active in his church. Andrew helps out with the multimedia systems, leadership council and youth group. He has gone to Arizona, Belize and Haiti on mission trips. Andrew is also an avid barefoot water skier and has participated in several tournaments. He was the 2006 Men's National Division I Barefoot Waterski Overall Champion. Andrew will pursue majors in digital media arts and computer science.
Sarah Noel Mast*
Noel is from Fillmore, New York, where she attends Fillmore Central School. She has been involved in Students Against Drunk Driving (S.A.D.D), National Honor Society, yearbook, musicals, Ski Club and Bible Quizzing. Noel is interested in pursuing a degree in graphic design.
Zack McCutcheon*
Zack is from Joppa Town High School in Joppa, Maryland. He is active in track, soccer, Anime Club, Chess Club, and has received an Honorable Mention for Maryland's Distinguished Scholar Program. Zack will pursue his interests in computer science while in college and would like to design, build and maintain a computer network from scratch.
April McDonald*
April resides in Indianapolis, Indiana, and attends Heritage Christian High School. April is a Phi Beta Kappa scholar and participates in her school's theatre productions. She plans to pursue a pre-med degree with hopes of one day providing medical care on the mission field. April's other interests include choir, drama and figure skating.
Kyle Miller
A senior attending Fairfield High School, Kyle is from Goshen, Indiana. He has a passion for missions and plans to pursue a business management major with a minor in missions. In high school, Kyle has been a four year member of the baseball and tennis teams, National Honor Society member and twice has received the Men's Tennis Team All Conference Award.
Kiva Mininger*
From Goshen, Indiana, Kiva attends Northridge High School. Kiva is currently involved in concert choir, swing choir, National Honor Society, youth group and is a ministry team leader. She will pursue a degree in theatre performance with the goal of one day becoming a career vocalist or actor.
Pete Molinero*
Pete is a home-schooled student from Potsdam, New York. He plans to pursue a digital media arts degree. Pete's career goal is to do professional 3D design and animation in the entertainment industry. He also has interest in website design and PHP internet coding.
Matt Murphy
Matt is from Cumberland, Maryland and attends Allegany High School. He has been involved in band, French Club, and Spanish Club for the past four years as well as American Field Service (AFS) and the varsity soccer team. Matt would like to become a television news reporter or photojournalist and will major in journalism.
Jesse Nelson*
Jesse is a home-schooled student from Gladstone, Missouri. For the last four years, Jesse has participated in soccer, softball, Spanish and his church youth group. Jesse would like to work for a visual-effects company or start a film company with his brother. He will develop his talents through the digital media arts program.
Caroline Orr*
From Columbia City, Indiana, Caroline is a home-schooled student planning to pursue a pre-med biology degree. Caroline's career goals include becoming a podiatrist. Caroline has been involved in her youth group worship band and greatly enjoys working with horses. An active member of her local 4-H Horse and Pony Club, she was the grand champion in her county's Flags horse race.
Carrie Patterson
Carrie is from Ft. Wayne, Indiana where she is a home-schooled student planning on studying psychology in college. She has an interest in working in the field of equestrian therapy. She is also involved with piano and voice performances at local nursing homes. She is an active member of her church youth group and often leads worship for the youth. She also helps with the drama for children's church and has participated on her church's quiz team.
Mary Russell
Mary is from Columbia, Missouri, where she is a senior this year at Heritage Academy. She has been a part of the high school's volleyball team, theatre productions and Spanish program. She also teaches piano lessons. Mary plans to pursue her interests in communications while in college.
Sam Schoutko
Sam resides in Mansfield, Ohio, and attends Mansfield Christian High School. He would like to become a Bible translator someday and will major in Biblical studies while in college. During high school, Sam has been involved in the Scholastic Showdown Team, National Honor Society, the varsity soccer and track teams as well as his church's Ministry Team.
Susanne Shepherdson*
Susanne comes to us from Marietta, Georgia where she attends Sprayberry High School. There she is actively involved in Anchor Club, French Honor Society, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She is also a member of the Vox Humana literary magazine staff. Susanne will pursue a degree in English and is interested in becoming a Christian elementary school librarian.
Brendan Shick*
From Grand Rapids, Michigan, Brendan is currently a student at Grand Rapids City High School. He has received a 'superior' rating at the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association for the past two years and enjoys playing the violin. He is a member of the City High School Orchestra as well as National Honor Society. Brendan will pursue a degree in digital film studies in the fall.
Kristy Silvers*
Kristy is from Leo, Indiana, where she attends Leo Junior-Senior High School. She is an Executive Committee member of the National Honor Society, head tutor for the Spanish Breakfast Club, and a member of Students Sharing Hearts Club, Spanish Study and Germany Study programs. Kristy has an interest in pursing a pre-med degree while in college and hopes to one day become a doctor on the mission field.
Jordan Steele
Jordan is from Hamilton, Michigan. A student at Calvary Baptist School, Jordan has been involved in soccer, basketball, baseball and choir. Jordan also enjoys playing guitar and leading worship. He plans to pursue a degree in digital film studies. Jordan would like to become a film producer and hopes to work for a video production company after college graduation.
Trey Sullivan
From Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, Trey attends Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School. He is a three-time Honor Carrier, was nominated for Phi Theta Kappa, and plays volleyball. He currently plays bass guitar for his church's worship team. He also has a black belt in karate. Trey plans to pursue a degree in worship leadership.
Kelsey Swaim
Kelsey is from Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, and attends Berkeley Springs High School. She is an active member of the tennis team and band, and has helped out the girl's basketball team as a statistician. Kelsey would like to major in family and children's ministry in the fall and has plans of working with an inner-city mission organization for underprivileged children.
Brandon Tanner*
Brandon attends Angola High School in Angola, Indiana. Brandon's career goal is to one day work as a trauma doctor in a big-city hospital. He will pursue a pre-med degree in biology. While in high school Brandon has been a lifeguard, member of the Varsity Swim Team, Drama Department, Spanish Honor Society and Students With a Real Mission. Brandon has earned a varsity letter for the past four years in swimming and was last year's team captain.
Jeremy Terry*
Jeremy is from Plainfield, Indiana and attends Covenant Christian High School. Jeremy invests his time in National Honor Society, Math Club, Spanish Club and Rocket Team. He served seven weeks in Peru as a Spanish translator and volunteers at a local Spanish church as a translator. Jeremy will study English literature and Spanish in the fall. Jeremy is a finalist for the National Merit Scholarship.
Kelci VanDam
Kelci resides in Muncie, Indiana, where she attends Cowan High School. Kelci is an active member of her high school's track team, National Honor Society, band, Fine Arts and Science Teams, Key Club and is a Youth for Christ/Campus Life student leader. She plans to pursue a degree in elementary education in the fall.
Naomi Westfall
Naomi is from Dalton, Ohio, and attends Central Christian High School. She participates in Spanish, Science Olympiad, tennis and is president of the 'Compassion' Club. Naomi will pursue a pre-med degree in biology. She would like to become an oncologist one day and work in a big city. Naomi also enjoys snowboarding and pottery.
Mark Wiley
Mark currently resides in Huntington, Indiana, and attends Huntington North High School. Mark is very active in athletics including football, baseball and basketball. He is also a member of student government and Youth for Christ/Campus Life. His ability to maintain excellent grades while participating in athletics and Campus Life has earned him several awards. At this time, Mark plans to pursue a degree in business.
Emily Yost
Emily is from Huntington, Indiana, and attends Huntington North High School. She has been an active member of Youth for Christ/ Campus Life as a student leader as well as Class Council, Student Council, and Future Educations of America. Emily has also had the opportunity to participate in several school theatre productions. In college, Emily will study elementary education and psychology and pursue her interests in inner-city missions.
