Valley Center High School Grad Receives Four-Year Scholarship from Board of Trustees.
Kansas City, Mo. – Lydia DeGarmo, a Spring 2009 graduate from Valley Center High School, Valley Center, Ks., has been named a University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) Trustees’ Scholar. When she enters the business administration program at UMKC in the fall, she will receive a scholarship valued at $55,000 over four years. DeGarmo’s award is supported by the UMKC Board of Trustees, the founder of the scholarship program.
DeGarmo ranked 1st in her class and was a member of the Student Council and National Honor Society. She was captain of the women’s varsity soccer team and earned a letter in cross country. As a member of 4-H, she served as an officer and won numerous awards for her activities. DeGarmo is an outstanding debater and also was active in mentoring programs at elementary and middle schools in Valley Center.
In the essay submitted to the Trustees’ Scholars selection committee, De Garmo emphasized her desire to help others realize their potential.
“A team is only as strong as its weakest link; so in 4-H and soccer, I tried to help younger members find what they did well, and, more importantly, what they enjoyed doing. It raised all of us to our maximum productivity level,” DeGarmo said.
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.