Written by Christina Bessell

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College and WTHI-TV announce that Katrina Muhs of Noble, Chelsey Burris of Odon, and Shelby Richardson of Spencer have been chosen as recipients of the Top Ten on 10 Scholarship.

Katrina Muhs attended Noble High School. During the last four years she participated in several community and school activities including: BBBS, ALPHA, FBLA, Spanish Club, FCCLA, Art Club, Science Club, and Project STOP, a branch of SADD. Katrina was also in band, volleyball, and cheerleading for four years receiving varsity letters each year. She went to IMEA District Festival three years and advanced to IMEA All- State Festival in 2009. She attended Scholar Bowl and won varsity letter for three years. At her local Crazyhorse 4- H club, she held several officer positions. Katrina won the highest award in TRIO Upward Bound program. She took summer classes at her local community college and attended study sessions during the school year. Last year Katrina job shadowed a local veterinarian. Her favorite hobby is spending time with her horses and taking them to local equestrian shows. She attended Horsemanship U Camp in 2007- 2008.

In her essay Katrina says that leaders need confidence and intelligence to gain the trust of followers, determination to motivate their followers, and good communication and organization skills. She says that she learned about leadership from the many great people in her life. She concluded her essay saying that, “The great leaders of today are the inspiration for tomorrow.”

In high school Chelsey Burris was a part of Beta Club, Art Club, Cougar Crazies pep club, Science Club, and French Club. She was Class President Sophomore year. Chelsey won American Legion Dept. of Indiana Post Award. She was on the honor roll all four years. Her senior year she volunteered at a local animal shelter and rescued a Thoroughbred ex-racehorse from slaughter. She is active in several animal rights groups such as World Wildlife Federation and Humane Society of the United States.

In her essay Chelsey says she is inspired by Sacagawea. She said in a statement about herself that she believes that all it takes to change the world is a few passionate individuals. She wants to study journalism and work in the Thoroughbred horse racing industry.

Shelby Richardson was in choir her first two years at Owen Valley High School. She participated in Winter Percussion Theatre and track and field her junior year. And she is taking band and marching band for her senior year. Shelby also is part of SADD and Jazz band. She is thinking of focusing on a music major and joining track and field in college.

Shelby says in her essay that a leader has a way to create an atmosphere around them, using determination, charisma, social skills, and organization.

The Top Ten on 10 Scholarship Competition, sponsored by Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College and WTHI-TV, is open to any female student enrolled in grade 12 in a public, private or parochial school in the WTHI viewing area. Female students in grade 12 who are homeschooled are also encouraged to apply.

A total of 10 students have been chosen to receive a $13,000 renewable SMWC scholarship. Winners were chosen based on academic records, leadership and community service roles, high school/community references and a written essay. From the 10 winners, two students will be chosen in March to receive $20,000 renewable SMWC scholarships.

For more information about the Top Ten on 10 Scholarship Competition or Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, contact the SMWC Office of Admission by e-mail at smwcadms@smwc.edu or by phone at (812) 535-5106 or 1-800-926-SMWC.