From left are scholarship winner Madison Dobbins; Amanda Tom, Meridian Title Company; scholarship winner Mandy Lowe; Marci Anderson, Coldwell Banker Roth Wehrly Graber; and scholarship winner Kaci Whitehead. (Photo provided)

The Kosciusko Board of REALTORS® is pleased to announce the selection of the 2014 Scholarship winners: Madison Dobbins, Mandy Lowe and Kaci Whitehead, all recipients of a $1,000 scholarship award.

These awards are made by committee decision and based on scholastic achievement, school activities, community commitment and need. The winners were chosen from over 30 applications from students throughout Kosciusko County. Including 2014, the Kosciusko Board of REALTORS® has awarded $63,000 in scholarships since 1993. REALTORS® understand the need to invest in the future of local children as it is a direct investment in our community and the people who live here.

Madison Dobbins will be graduating from Warsaw Community High School and will be attending Purdue University. She plans on majoring in plant genetics, breeding and biotechnology with the intent to become a plant geneticist.

During high school, Madison leadership experience ranged from Chapter V President, District Sentinel, FFA to Vice President and then President for 4-H. In addition, she has volunteered at Bakers Youth Club as a tutor and is a member of the National Honors Society at Warsaw Community High School. Kelley Ross, PCI coordinator/CTE teacher, shared with the selection committee, “As her teacher for Professional Career Internship, I have had the good fortune to work with Madison, and I find her to be a self-motivated, dedicated, bright and respectful young woman.” Madison’s proud parents are Jeff and Aletha Dobbins of Silver Lake.

Mandy Lowe is the daughter of Rebecca and Keith Lowe of Warsaw. After graduation from Warsaw Community High School, Mandy plans on attending Manchester University to obtain a degree in special education. Mandy shared in her application, “I want to have an impact on the lives of others. Becoming a special education teacher would give me the chance to do my dream job and give back to others.”

In reference to a career in special education, Rebecca L. Moss, English & ACP Speech teacher at Warsaw Community High School adds, “I have no doubt that if you give your financial support to this young lady that you will not only be affecting her life – but also the millions of lives that she will touch as an educator.” Since 2012, besides managing a busy school curriculum, Mandy has successfully balanced working approximately 25-30 hours a week at a local restaurant with her schooling.

Kaci Whitehead is the only 2014 Scholarship winner that is already attending college. This coming fall she will return to Indiana University/Purdue University in Fort Wayne, studying graphic design. Besides excelling in her studies, Kaci has volunteered over 500 hours to numerous non- profit organizations; too many to list. Some of the many hours were spent with the Youth Outreach Mission, Church Youth Band, Habitat for Humanity, Salvation Army Bell Ringer, and Warsaw Animal Shelter to name just a few.

Upon receiving her scholarship, Kaci graciously shared, “Your generous scholarship has made a huge difference in helping me financially pay for college. I will continue to help others through community service and give back to others as you have given to me. Thank you again for your willingness to invest in my future!” Kaci is the daughter of proud parents, Jim and Sally Whitehead of Syracuse.

Congratulations to our three outstanding Kosciusko County 2014 KBOR Scholarship Winners!