6/14/2007

Two Benton Central students have been named recipients of full, four-year scholarships as the Benton Community Foundation 2007 Lilly Endowment Community Scholars.

Thomas Haley-Hermiz and Ellen Sheetz will receive full tuition to the Indiana college of their choice and an $800 yearly stipend for required books and equipment.

Thomas is the son of Tom Hermiz and Cindy Haley of Fowler. Ranked third in his class, Thomas has been involved with the Varsity Swim Team, Cross Country, Varsity Players Drama Club, Band, French Club and National Honor Society. In the community he is an active member of the United Methodist Church, Venture Crew and Community Activism Awareness Project while also volunteering at the Fowler Theater and participating in both the Relay for Life and Out of the Darkness walks. Thomas plans to study Computer Graphics Technology at Purdue in the Fall.

Ellen is the daughter of Jim and Chris Sheetz of rural Fowler. Her school activities include four years as a class officer, Soccer, Cheerleading, Tennis, National Honor Society and Hoosier Girl’s State Representative. Ellen has been a 10-year member of 4-H, active at St. Charles and St. Thomas churches, member of the Benton County Education Foundation and Benton Community Foundation Youth Philanthropy Committee, and participant in the Relay For Life. She ranks fourth in her class with a 3.8 GPA. Ellen plans to pursue her dream of teaching young children at Butler.

Thirteen outstanding students from Benton Central applied for the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Award. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.33 and significant participation in school and community activities. Other criteria used to narrow the field include work experience, financial need, and a written essay. Finalists were then interviewed by a committee representing all areas of the school district who narrowed the list to two nominees. Once the Benton Community Foundation Board of Directors approved the nominees they were then submitted to Independent Colleges of Indiana, Inc. (ICI) for final approval.

ICI is a nonprofit corporation that represents 31 regionally accredited degree granting, nonprofit, private colleges and universities in the state.

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 216 scholarships awarded statewide.

The Foundation Board of Directors wish Thomas, Ellen and the entire Class of 2007 all the best in their future endeavors.

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