Groups Student Garners Lugar Scholarship

Jeremiah Reed is the recipient of a Lugar Scholarship, a program supported by The Fund for Hoosier Excellence. U.S. Senator Richard Lugar, R-Ind., created the fund in 1983 to encourage outstanding minority students to excel in school and remain in Indiana as leaders. Sen. Lugar also serves as a mentor to the students.

A first-generation college student, Jeremiah graduated as valedictorian of East Chicago Central High School. Jeremiah is a Groups student and has received the Outstanding Leadership Award in several of his classes. He is also a 21st Century Scholar and a Hudson & Holland Scholar. In 2007, he was the top student in the IU Bloomington Upward Bound program.

Groups student Jeremiah Reed receives the 2009 Lugar Scholarship plaque from Sen. Richard Lugar, R-Ind.

College can be a daunting experience for some; however, it can also be a joyous time in your life. The path one takes depends on a lot of things such as character, environment, attitude, morals, and faith. Being first generation makes these things a lot harder to deal with. I have no one to question or ask what to aspect during my college years, but through Groups I can pick up that college support that I am lacking. For example, when I feel down or I just cannot make it because of doubt, Groups will have a mentor waiting for me to work it out. When I'm struggling in my studies and need help, Groups will have me a tutor to help me out, and when I've achieved my goal, Groups will be there to congratulate me. It is never a bad thing to have someone who cares to be there for you and keep you on the right path.     – Jeremiah Reed In addition to the Lugar Scholarship, Jeremiah has received support from: Dell Scholars Program/ACT; International Scholars Tuition Service; Foundations of East Chicago; Indiana Black Expo; Hougland OEM Matching Scholarship; Comcast Leaders and Achievers; AKA; and the Valedictorian Award. The total dollar amount of his scholarships and grants was more than $30,000. Congratulations to Jeremiah for his impressive record of achievement!

The Wabash Pastoral Leadership program has provided me the opportunity to be exposed to leaders in the fields of education, economics, politics, diversity and leadership and the resources that they provide. My fellow pastors and I have come to know each other in a way that true relationships have been formed. And our time together, in conversations, in prayer, as well as in fellowship over meals, helps us to understand that ministry isn't always a lonely place and that there are others who like you, experience similar successes and challenges. This program is one of the most rewarding leadership experiences that I have ever had.     – Dennis E. Laffoon

The Wabash Pastoral Leadership Program is a two-year program based at Wabash College in Crawfordsville, Ind. It was designed to help Indiana ministers develop the leadership skills necessary to take on greater roles in their communities. Funded by the Lilly Endowment Inc., the program targets Indiana pastors with between five and 10 years of experience following their graduate seminary studies, and invites them to participate in a two-year program of leadership development and pastoral reflection.

DEMA Student Leadership Award recipients were selected using the following criteria:

• Demonstrated leadership,
• Community service achievements, and
• GPA score