Helias High School Grad Receives Four-Year Scholarship from Board of Trustees.

Kansas City, Mo. – Katie Arnold, a spring 2009 graduate from Helias High School, Jefferson City, Mo., has been named a University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) Trustees’ Scholar. When she enters the Pre-Dental – Biology/Chemistry programs at UMKC in the fall, she will receive a scholarship valued at $55,000 over four years. Arnold’s award is supported by the UMKC Board of Trustees, the founder of the scholarship program.

Arnold, who graduated 12th in her class, was a National Merit commended scholar and member of the National Honor Society. She also was a member of the track team. Much of her school activity centered around music – Arnold was the drum major for the marching band and director of the competition drumline. She also performed with the jazz and concert bands. As a high school student, she attended UMKC School of Dentistry’s Dental Explorer Post, a program of monthly workshops and lectures for future dentists or hygienists.

In service to her community, Arnold was a volunteer baby sitter at the Rape and Abuse Crisis Center. She also worked part-time, operating her own cleaning service.

In the essay submitted to the Trustees’ Scholars selection committee, Arnold emphasized her willingness to face challenges – coupled with a little caution.

“In an old home movie I am walking around with a Lego bucket on my head, testing my navigational skills,” said Arnold. “Every so often, I lift the bucket to take stock of my progress. I still feel like that little toddler, needing to peek out from under my metaphorical bucket and check my direction. I am excited about coming to Kansas City and enrolling at UMKC.”

UMKC Trustees’ Scholars receive a scholarship package for the first two years that covers educational fees, a textbook allowance and room and board. For the third and fourth years, the financial package covers educational fees, a textbook and supply allowance, and $2,000 for housing. In addition, scholars may have an opportunity to intern for their sponsoring entities.

The scholarship sponsors provide approximately $400,000 over four years to each annual class of up to 10 scholars. The Fall 2009 semester will usher in the eighth class of UMKC Trustees’ Scholars, bringing to 73 the number of students receiving this high honor since the program began in 2002.

The scholarships are merit-based and require fulfillment of at least two of three academic criteria: 1) a score of 30 or higher on the ACT test, 2) finishing in the top 5 percent of one’s graduating high school class, 3) and a 3.5 (or greater) cumulative high school grade point average in the core curriculum.

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 to guide students throughout the college experience.

The deadline for students to apply to the UMKC Trustees’ Scholars Program for the 2010-2011 academic year is November 15, 2009. For more information or an application, please contact Tammy Cloutier, assistant director of admissions, (816) 235-1206.

The University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC), one of four University of Missouri campuses, is a public university serving more than 14,000 undergraduate, graduate and professional students. UMKC engages with the community and economy based on a four-part mission: life and health sciences; visual and performing arts; urban issues and education; and a vibrant learning and campus life experience.