INDIANAPOLIS — Indianapolis City-County Councillor Blake Johnson announced the recipients of the 2017 Eastside Emerging Leaders Scholarship. The scholarship is awarded to graduating high school seniors (or adults planning to enroll in post-secondary education for the first time) who live or go to school in Council District 12, and who have demonstrated a strong commitment to community service and volunteerism.
The recipients of the Eastside Emerging Leaders Scholarship are:
• Samantha Bailey, Irvington Preparatory Academy
• William Ferree, Scecina Memorial High School
• Anna Gaffney, Herron High School
• Mary O’Connor, Scecina Memorial High School
• My-Kel Williams, T.C. Howe Community High School
“These young people provide a powerful example to their peers and to our greater community,” said Councillor Johnson. “Not only have they made a habit of giving back — participating in community service projects and volunteering for various initiatives – but they hope to continue that commitment to service as they look to the future.”
Scholarship selections were made by a panel representing the neighborhoods of City Council District 12, including representatives of the Historic Irvington Community Council, Little Flower Neighborhood Association, Community Heights Neighborhood Organization, Bosart Brown Neighborhood Association, Emerson Heights Community Organization, Otterbein Neighborhood Association, and the Christian Park neighborhood.
In addition to scholarship funding, recipients will be invited to participate in a summer leadership development opportunity as well as guided exploration in relevant fields.
The Eastside Emerging Leaders Scholarship awards a total of $10,000 each year, split in varying amounts among the recipients. Funds are made possible using a portion of City Councillor Blake Johnson’s salary, as well as donations from local entrepreneur Chris Baggott, Community Hospital East, and the Central Indiana Community Foundation.