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MC achiever
wins statewide scholarship
and $1,000 for her high school teacher
Manchester College sophomore Norma Rojas of
Ligonier, Ind., has received a $1,000 “Realizing the Dream” scholarship
and is sharing the spotlight
 (and another $1,000) with her favorite high
school teacher, who inspired her to go to college. Rojas, a financial
accounting major, and her teacher Susan Becker of West Noble High School
were honored at an Oct. 16 banquet in Indianapolis.
Sponsored by Lilly Endowment Inc. for
Independent Colleges of Indiana, the “Realizing the Dream” program
recognizes outstanding high school graduates who not only are the first
in their family to attend college, but who excel in scholarship and
leadership in their freshman year.
The program also celebrates the roles played
by teachers in shaping student aspirations for a college education.
Norma selected Susan Becker, chair of the Business Department of
West Noble High School, to receive a $1,000 professional development
award. Manchester College will apply Norma’s $1,000 scholarship toward
the cost of her education.
Norma, daughter of Jose A. and Maria N. Rojas
of Ligonier, is the first in her family to attend college. She is a 2003
graduate of West Noble High School in northern Indiana.
Norma Rojas warmed quickly to the Manchester
College environment. As a first-year student, she joined Oakwood Hall
Council, Hispanos Unidos, was secretary of French Club and volunteered
in the community with the Learn More Center. She also made the fall 2003
Dean’s List. This year, she is vice president of her hall council and
continues to be active in Hispanos Unidos and the Accounting and
Business Club.
At West Noble High School, Becker teaches business courses.
“I am very honored to receive this
recognition,” said the teacher of 24 years. “However, the best part of
it is knowing Norma Rojas. She is a wonderful, caring young lady. She
is a very hard worker. I knew she would do well in college.” Becker
particularly has praise for Roja’s maturity, adding, “She has many other
wonderful attributes that will make her successful in life.”
Rojas said her high school business teacher
had great influence on her. “There are not enough words to thank
her for her support. She helped me with my college decision and gave me
good advice. She is the kind of person who relates to her students and
enjoys learning from them. She is a great friend and a dedicated
teacher.”
Rojas was drawn to Manchester College because
of its highly regarded accounting program, and, “The size was perfect,
and it is not too far or too close to home.”
About 200 students are majoring in business
and accounting this semester at Manchester College and its CPA training
is nationally recognized. For more information about the independent
liberal arts college, visit
www.manchester.edu |
