Park Hill Senior High School Grad Receives Four-Year Scholarship from Board of Trustees.

Kansas City, Mo. – Rachel Drabenstott, a Spring 2009 graduate from Park Hill Senior High School, Kansas City, Mo., has been named a University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) Trustees’ Scholar. When she enters the music education program at UMKC in the fall, she will receive a scholarship valued at $55,000 over four years.

Drabenstott’s award is supported by the UMKC Board of Trustees, the founder of the scholarship program. Drabenstott ranked 7th in her class, was active with the debate squad and was a member of the volleyball team. She maintained a 4.0 grade average and received Park Hill’s Academic Excellence award.

Throughout high school, Drabenstott participated in musical ensembles and productions, including Chamber Choir, Concert Choir and the All-State Choir. She had leading roles in some musicals and worked on the production crews for others.

As a community volunteer, Drabenstott worked with disabled children at a therapeutic equine riding center. At a Park Hill district middle school, she mentored choir members, helped with set design and coached cast members for music programs.

In the essay submitted to the Trustees’ Scholars selection committee, Drabenstott related how much music has been a central part of her life and a natural choice for study.

“Some have sports, others have painting, but I have music,” Drabenstott said. “I would like to teach high school chorus because of the challenging works they can learn. I know I have the patience to listen and the enthusiasm to teach. This scholarship program enables me to pursue my real passion.”

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.