Written by SMWC student, Christina Bessell

ST. MARY-OF-THE-WOODS - Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College and WTHI-TV announce that Rudee Hanna of Terre Haute and Bailey Deakins of Brazil have been chosen as recipients of the Top Ten on 10 Scholarship.

At Terre Haute North High School Rudee Hanna is on the High Honor Roll, and a member of Link Crew, which helps with freshman orientation. She has been a member of the student council through both middle and high school. Rudee has been a cheerleader all four years and she is involved with the Big Brother Big Sister program at her school. “This is the most rewarding, being with my ‘little' makes my day brighter,” says Rudee, showing her passion for working with children and making a difference in their lives.

Rudee is also a member of Vigo County 4-H with sewing and swine projects. She is a member of the White River Valley Antique Tractor Association and the Vigo County Antique Tractor Club. Rudee has been competitive as a USTA and AAU Power Tumbler since she was 4 years old, winning numerous awards, including State Championships along with National and Junior Olympic Titles. In 2007 she was chosen to be Indiana's USTA Athlete of the Year.

Rudee says in her essay that leadership is what keeps society running smoothly. The important qualities of a good leader are being fair, non-judgmental, and knowing when to act. She believes that “these traits can define anyone if used in the proper setting, and anyone can have the chance to be a leader.”

Rudee's major is currently undecided, but she is considering Elementary or Middle school education to teach English or History.

Bailey Deakins is the vice president of the art club and participates in the school news/ announcements team at Northview High School. She is a regular volunteer at her church for Angel Food Ministries and will be going to Nepal on a mission trip in November 2010.

Bailey believes that “in order to be a great leader one must possess boldness, determination and integrity.” Great leaders must be morally inclined, they cannot waiver or back down, and they must be willing to give their lives to lead their people with honor and courage, she wrote in an essay about leadership.

Bailey is considering majoring in English, studio art or biology with possible future jobs as an English teacher or as a lab tech. 

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 will be chosen to receive a $13,000 renewable SMWC scholarship. Winners are chosen based on academic records, leadership and community service roles, high school/community references and a written essay. From the 10 winners, two students are chosen 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.