Intelligent, accomplished, curious, generous – all qualities that make exceptional candidates for the Saint Mother Theodore Guerin Scholarship, the most prestigious award at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC), named after the College’s foundress. More than that, however, these scholars have already taken steps in life to aspire higher and become effective leaders, proficient learners and valued contributors to the community. It is with these qualities in mind that seven students were chosen – two who will receive full-tuition scholarships and five who will receive $17,000 scholarships, all renewable for four years.
To apply for the award, students submitted an essay on how they intend to embody the values of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin and a letter of recommendation as well as participated in an interview with the selection committee on campus. Based on those elements, along with other criteria such as academics, community involvement and extracurricular activities, the following accomplished students were selected to receive the Saint Mother Theodore Guerin Scholarship:
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College Admission Counselors Samantha Essig (left) and Brooke Huser (right) presented Allison Mauk with the Saint Mother Theodore Guerin scholarship.
Allison Mauk
Sandford, Ind.
Full-tuition award
With a passion for equality and justice, Allison Mauk plans to study pre-law to become an attorney to seek justice and ensure that individuals receive their right to equal representation. She writes, “Due to poverty and social injustices in the world, too many people are not fairly represented within our legal system. I want to be the voice for people who are not always able to have their own – such as women, children and minorities.” Mauk plans to use her gifts and talents in service for others by demonstrating leadership in every aspect of her life.
Mauk, daughter of Christina Taylor and Chris (and Shannon) Mauk, is Student Council president at West Vigo High School and a member of the volleyball team, dance team, DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America), National Honor Society, Big Brother Big Sister, yearbook, Key Club, Go Make a Difference and Link Crew.
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College Golf Coach Steve Higham (left) presented Elizabeth Yeazel with the Saint Mother Theodore Guerin scholarship, along with her parents, Marybelle and Steve Yeazel.
Elizabeth Yeazel
Germantown, Ohio
Full-tuition award
Senior at Chaminade Julienne High School, Elizabeth Yeazel has already spent years exploring her calling in music therapy by working with the developmentally disabled community at We Care Arts (WCA) in Dayton, Ohio. She writes, “If I can move out of my physical comfort zone and improve an individual’s quality of life by making music with him or her, I feel that I can have a part in the physical manifestation of the ministry of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin.”
Yeazel, daughter of Marybelle and Steve Yeazel, is a member of the National Honor Society and the Eagle Ambassadors, a group that welcomes visitors and gives tours of the school. She is also a member of the Liturgical Choir, plays piano at various community events and plays golf at her high school.
Karen Hoffman
Karen Hoffman
New Haven, Ind.
$17,000 award
With a love for nature and wildlife, Karen Hoffman plans to major in biology and pursue a career at a raptor rehabilitation center or as a zoo keeper. She writes, “With a biology major, I will spread awareness of the help that the planet so desperately needs. I will assist in saving this world’s great natural diversity, not for myself, but for the generations to come.”
Senior at Bishop Dwenger High School, Hoffman, daughter of Sharon May and Jeffrey Hoffman, is a member of National Honors Society, Spanish Club, Art Club, Junior Leaders, 4-H, Bio-Tech Team, Wildlife Team and serves as Newspaper Editor.
Annamaria Farmer
Annamaria Farmer
Indianapolis, Ind.
$17,000 award
Annamaria Farmer always knew that she would pursue a career that allowed her to help others, but she never dreamed that she could combine that calling with her love for music. Until she discovered the field of music therapy. She writes, “I intend to use a major in music therapy not to change the world entirely, but to change the lives of the people that I will be so blessed and honored to help. Like Mother Theodore Guerin, I hope to positively affect those I come into contact with through my occupation as a musical therapist.”
Senior at Bishop Chatard High School, Farmer, daughter of Janet and Carl Farmer, she often serves as a cantor at school masses and is a member of Comedy Sportz, an improv group that competes against other schools and offer their talents to entertain the elderly and the ill. She is also a member of the mentoring program and has been involved in choir and theater.
Logan Thralls
Logan Thralls
West Terre Haute, Ind.
$17,000 award
Raised to understand the importance of giving back, Logan Thralls plans to pursue a degree in psychology so that he may help people with mental health issues by gaining insight into human behavior. He writes, “Many people today have problems that prevent them from being able to live a healthy life that they can enjoy. Everyone deserves to be happy.”
A senior at West Vigo High School, Thralls, son of Lana and Scott Thralls, explains that a large part of his upbringing revolved around charity, and he has helped with Bible School, the annual Fun Run/Walk that benefits the West Terre Haute Providence Food Pantry, Christmas food baskets for the West Terre Haute Community Center, visiting ministries through church and more. He has also received Honor Roll status.
Hannah White
Hannah White
Lawrenceburg, Ky.
$17,000 award
For the past year, homeschool student Hannah White, daughter of Melanie and John White, has volunteered as an equine intern at The Life Adventure Center of the Bluegrass (LAC), where she assists in riding therapy with the mentally handicapped and assists with group riding lessons for beginning riders. In this experience, she is not only gaining insight in to her chosen major of equine studies, but she is also gaining skills of perseverance, leadership and communication.
She writes, “I would like to continue on this road and make a career of helping people overcome their problems by using the everyday lessons that horses can teach. By choosing the equine studies major, I will be able to explore different equine careers while becoming a professional.”
Emily Hansen
Crown Point, Ind.
$17,000 award
Senior at Lake Central High School, Emily Hansen has been volunteering since she was in fifth grade. With a love for animals, she has volunteered at various shelter including Alsip Home and Nursery and donates to ASPCA and World Wildlife Fund. Planning to major in equine training and instruction with a minor in equine assisted therapy, she writes, “I believe I can use my empathy to help those with mental or physical disabilities by teaching them how to ride and interact with horses. My best friend has a brother, who is autistic, never spoke a word until he went through equine therapy. That is what inspired me to choose my major.”
Hansen is a member of art club and history club. She also has a passion for writing and is fluent in two languages.