Two recent Marion High School graduates, Jada Flowers and Darice Upchurch, have received college scholarships from the Educational Opportunity Association (EOA) and Indiana TRiO, respectively. Both students were involved in Indiana Wesleyan University’s Upward Bound Program, a federal TRiO program that seeks to provide fundamental support to local high school students in their preparation for college entrance.
Flowers received a $1,000 scholarship from the EOA Board of Directors. The scholarship was awarded to ten students who hold first-generation, low-income, or disable TRiO student status; have a cumulative minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale; and demonstrate involvement in co-curricular or community activities. Flowers graduated from Marion High School with a 4.59 GPA. She will be attending Purdue University this fall where she will be majoring in Biochemistry with a focus on Biology.
Upchurch received the $1,000 Cheryl L. Berry Scholarship from Indiana TRiO. The scholarship was only awarded to one recipient and evaluated applicants based on their community service and academic achievements. Upchurch graduated from Marion High School with a 4.45 GPA. She will be attending Howard University this fall where she will be majoring in Human Performance with a focus on Sports Medicine.
Both women dedicated time during their summers to pursue their career interests by participating in Upward Bound’s job shadowing and work study programs.
“Jada and Darice were always determined to reach their goals. What stood out to me most about both girls was their level of maturity and ambition,” said Alicia Morrell, director of Upward Bound. “UB provided an encouraging environment that helped them to better understand their strengths and abilities. They gained confidence from UB and practiced developing as leaders amongst their peers.”