GCS is pleased to announce that GMS 8^th grade student, Julia Giddens, was selected as the 2015 recipient of the John G. Blakesley Mathematical Excellence for 8^th Grade Students scholarship.  Thanks to the generosity of John G. Blakesley, the Elkhart County Community Foundation (ECCF)  offers a 4-year scholarship to an Elkhart County graduating 8^th grade student, to be applied towards 4-years of higher education at an accredited college following the student’s high school graduation. The winner of the John G. Blakesley Mathematical Excellence Scholarship will be awarded $1,250 a year for each of four years for a total award of $5,000. This is the third year for the scholarship.

Julia was selected from a pool of 16 Elkhart County eighth grade students. The criteria for the scholarship selection is based on academic performance, extra-curricular activities, and written essays.  Julia had to respond to four essays questions in her application, and provide documentation of her outside activities, as well as grade verification.  Julia was supported through her application process by GMS teachers Mr. Fish, Mrs. Hussey, Mrs. Baranic, 8^th Grade Counselor Mrs. Desmarais-Morse, and, of course, her parents, Paul D. and Lisa Giddens.

Julia first heard about the scholarship as an Algebra student in 7^th grade and became determined to apply when her chance came in 8^th grade.  Julia was selected as the recommended GMS candidate for 2015—obviously a great choice!