Back

SMWC awards three Wabash Valley high school students scholarship

News | 01.14.2015
Kayla Moats and Gabrielle Comelleri
Kayla Moats (left) and Gabrielle Comelleri, both seniors at Terre Haute North High School, received the Wabash Valley High School Scholarship from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College.

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) recently awarded three high school seniors with the inaugural Wabash Valley High School Scholarship. Gabrielle Comelleri and Kayla Moats, both seniors at Terre Haute North High School, along with Alexia Lear, senior at Rockville High School, received half-tuition scholarships recognizing their unique experiences, aptitudes and abilities to make a difference in their communities.

To be considered, students submitted a graded research paper, detailed their work, extra-curricular and volunteer history in a resume and participated in an on-campus writing competition. Students selected were those who best embody the principles of community and volunteerism.

Gabrielle Comelleri, of Terre Haute, Ind., is passionate about early childhood education, evidenced by her involvement as a 4-H camp counselor, Vacation Bible School leader and a Big Brother/Big Sister mentor. She has accumulated over 100 hours of community service during her time at Terre Haute North High School.

Kayla Moats, of Terre Haute, Ind., has earned an academic letter at Terre Haute North High School for three consecutive years and is a member of the National Honor Society. Her volunteer experiences include gardening at the White Violet Center for Eco-Justice, animal care at Harmony Haven shelter and library organization at a local elementary school. 


Alexia Lear
Mike Brown, SMWC executive director of admissions, presents Alexia Lear, senior at Rockville High School, with the Wabash Valley High School Scholarship.

Alexia Lear, of Rockville, Ind., is interested in health and social sciences. Outside of the classroom she balances participation in several varsity athletic teams, a part-time job, engagement in various co-curricular organizations and diverse community service commitments. Additionally, Lear is involved in Rockville High School’s Cadet Teaching program.

The Wabash Valley High School Scholarship is a half-tuition scholarship for admitted female students attending SMWC in a full-time degree seeking campus program. Students must graduate in the counties of Clay, Parke, Sullivan, Vermillion or Vigo in Indiana, or Clark or Edgar counties in Illinois to qualify.