Independence High School Graduate Named UMKC Trustees’ Scholar

Kansas City’s university awards seven for 2018

Karah Chappel from Independence, Ohio, a spring 2018 Independence High School graduate, has been named a University of Missouri-Kansas City Trustees’ Scholar.

When Chappel begins studying music therapy at UMKC in the fall, she will receive a scholarship valued at $60,000 over four years. Her award is supported by the UMKC Board of Trustees, the founder of the scholarship program.

Chappel, who graduated in the top 1 percent of her class, was a member of Student Council, Mock Trial and Girl Scouts. Chappel has given private violin lessons since 2015, and has volunteered as a private tutor and with St. Michael Catholic Church and St. Vincent Charity Hospital.

In the essay submitted to the Trustees’ Scholars selection committee, Chappel said she has known that she was going to be a music therapist since her freshman year of high school. Eventually, Chappel said she would like to combine her music therapy degree with a law degree.

“One of my goals is to be a licensed music therapist working in a hospital recovery center,” Chappel said. “Another long-term goal I have is to get music therapy more widely accepted. In most states, private insurance, Medicare and Medicaid do not pay for music therapy, and this is not acceptable. Music therapy has such widespread benefits that everyone should have access to it. From becoming a licensed music therapist, to getting a law degree, education will be a big part of my success. And I know that the best way to begin is to be a UMKC Roo.”

The Trustees’ Scholarship provides educational fees and on-campus room and board for the first two years. In the third and fourth years, the package provides educational fees and $2,000 for room and board. Each Trustees’ Scholar also receives $500 toward books each year.

To qualify as Trustees’ Scholars, students must meet at least two of the following three criteria: score a minimum ACT Composite of 30, rank in the top five percent of the graduating class, or have a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or more in a 17-class core curriculum. Trustees’ Scholars must enroll full time, be seeking an undergraduate degree and commit to living on campus for the first two years.

The UMKC Trustees’ Scholars Program is unique in that it aligns students closely with corporate sponsors, who give students access to their professional knowledge and experience, insight into the inner workings of the company or institution they represent, and a strong mentor relationship throughout the college experience. Students have opportunities to network and find internships or jobs through the Trustees and their connections in the community.

The UMKC Board of Trustees is a non-profit organization established by civic and community leaders to support the University. Members advocate on the University’s behalf, provide community feedback and forge partnerships to help the University achieve its strategic priorities and financial objectives.


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