Pictured, from left, are Joy Goshert, Wawasee Community School Corporation assistant superintendent; Paul Long, father; Olivia Long, scholarship recipient; Kristina Long, mother; and Dr. David Hoffert, superintendent of Warsaw Community Schools.

KOSCIUSKO — The Committee to Commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is proud to announce the 2018 recipient of the Academic Excellence and Community Service Award, Olivia Long.

Long was honored on Monday, Jan. 15, during the annual event honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at Grace College’s Manahan Orthopedic Capital Center and was awarded a scholarship totaling $1,000. The winner of this scholarship each year is someone who has overcome a social or economic challenge or is a first-generation college student. The applicant must demonstrate scholastic excellence and encompass the heart of Dr. King through acts of community service and enriching the lives of others.

Long has worked very hard and succeeded within the challenges of a form of Autism called Asperger’s Syndrome. She states that as a young adult living with Autism, she has seen firsthand how others may view someone as “different.” Through the support of her parents, counselor and numerous life- impacting adults, she has overcome social and other challenges.

CCMLK notes Long is “an incredible role model of giving back to her school and community.” She completed 10 years of 4-H, has been a four-year-member of her high school Key Club, participated on the competitive cheer team as well as acting as a varsity football and basketball cheerleader and assisted in the Stuff the Bus Food Drive. Long is a member of the National Honor Society and a member of the North Webster Church of God, where she has volunteered the last four years in the Kidz Cove program. She also volunteers at the Lakeland Community Youth Center.

She is the daughter of Paul and Kristina Long and is a senior at Wawasee High School. Long plans to attend Olivet Nazarene University to study biology and pre-med. Following college, she plans to pursue a career as a doctor of forensic pathology.