Two JCHS students earn Lilly Scholarships

Jay County High seniors Brittany Crawmer and Michelle Landfair were announced Wednesday afternoon as the winners of the full-tuition 2010 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarships.

The seniors were surprised by their parents and members of The Portland Foundation, which awards the scholarships, at a ceremony at the high school.

The scholarship covers full tuition to any Indiana college as well as an $800 yearly stipend for books and equipment for four years of undergraduate study.

"A lot less stressed," Crawmer said of how she felt after the announcement. "Excited, obviously."

"I can't believe it," Landfair said. "I'm shaky. It feels like a dream."

Upon entering the TV studio where the ceremony was held, both seniors were struck with immediate recognition of why they had been brought there. Landfair burst into tears of joy and Crawmer appeared shocked as both hugged and were congratulated by their parents.

Crawmer, the daughter of Don and Sherry Crawmer, plans to attend Purdue University, where she will study international business.

Landfair, the daughter of Kent and Diane Landfair and the late Linda Landfair, said she is considering attending Indiana University but has not made a final decision, and is planning to study pre-medicine.

Landfair is ranked No. 2 in her class with a 4.085 GPA, while Crawmer is No. 7 with a 4.033 GPA.

Crawmer is a member of the marching band, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, National Honor Society, Spanish Club, and student council and is a track team manager and senior mentor.

After undergraduate study, she plans to pursue a master's degree in business and wants to work internationally in the corporate world.

Landfair is a member of Campus Life, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Jay Classical League and is president of National Honor Society, captain of the swim team and a three-year varsity letter-winner cheerleader.

Other finalists for the scholarship this year include Ben Brandt, Joni Degler, Derek Hughers, Holly Rittenhouse, William Smith and Karissa Wellman.

Thirty-two seniors applied for the award this year. Applicants must have a minimum 3.5 GPA and are evaluated on academics, financial need, school and community involvement, first-generation college student status and a submitted essay. The eight finalists participated in interviews with members of the selection committee and completed an impromptu essay.

The Lilly Endowment seeks to help Indiana high school students attend college and 216 scholarships were awarded across the state this year.[[In-content Ad]]