Cathleen Poole and Ryan McClane
Realizing the dream takes commitment, hard work, and, most often, a helping hand from family and others. And that’s exactly why 31 students from Indiana’s independent colleges and universities were celebrated at the 24th annual “Realizing the Dream” banquet.
Now sophomores, they have realized the dream of being the first in their families to go to college, have been selected by their colleges for outstanding achievement in their freshman year and for successfully advancing towards completing their bachelor’s degrees.
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) recognized Cathleen Poole, class of 2016, as this year’s recipient of the “Realizing the Dream” scholarship. Poole will receive a $2,000 grant from Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI).
A graduate of Northridge High School, Poole had to meet certain criteria to receive this award. She had to be a first generation student, a graduate from an Indiana high school and a current sophomore at an ICI college. Additionally, she had to have achieved a superior GPA in her freshmen year and demonstrated leadership in activities on campus and in the community.
“Receiving this scholarship has helped me to realize that I am on the right path with my life and has encouraged me to continue working hard and being dedicated in all that I do,” states Poole. “I believe that hard work pays off, maybe not immediately but always eventually, and this is one of those moments for me.”
Poole is double majoring in Equine Training and Instruction and P-3rd Grade/Mild Intervention. She is a member of the SMWC Hunt Seat Team, a member of Presidential Corps, a resident assistant and a volunteer at Ryves Youth Center. Her goals after graduation include teaching while slowly building her own equine business on the side. Eventually, she would like to run her own barn, training and instructing full-time, and incorporate her teaching experience into her business.
As part of the award, Poole also had the opportunity to select a teacher who helped pave her path to college. She chose Ryan McClane from Northridge High School. McClane will receive a $1,000 Professional Development Grant from ICI for being selected.
“Mr. McClane always made our days better by being positive and allowing a little fun in the classroom,” states Poole. “He motivated me and made me want to do better. I am honored to have had him as a teacher and one day I hope that I can impact students’ lives as much as he has impacted mine.”
Poole, along with her parents and McClane, were recognized at the 24th annual “Realizing the Dream” banquet at the Sheraton in Indianapolis at Keystone Crossing on Nov. 9, 2013.