5th Annual Indianapolis (Midwest) Awards Ceremony 2011

The University Place Conference Center was abuzz with anticipation as parents, educators, and supporters of the newest scholars in the Midwest gathered in the appropriately named Scholars Hall Ballroom.  2011 scholar Joel Klasa, who won his scholarship as an eighth-grader at Brownsburg East Middle School, performed classical musical selections on clarinet as a prelude to the program. 

WISH-TV Sports Director Anthony Calhoun emceed, bringing good wishes from his station on a raised stage framed with royal blue, white, and silver balloons rising from silver gift.-shaped anchors.  Sydney Howell, another 2011 scholar who won her scholarship while in fourth grade at Maple Elementary School, led the attendees in the pledge of allegiance.   2011 scholar Vincent Faurote (won his scholarship in eighth grade at St. Joseph Catholic School) led us in a beautiful blessing.  Vincent not only expressed thanks for the food, but included thanks to everyone involved in making the scholarships possible. 

Following dinner, comments from Dr. Carson were delivered via video and included the already impressive results of the research grant awarded by the W. K. Kellogg Foundation last year.  The 10-year longitudinal study aims to teach us more about the scholarship and reading room programs and the impact they are having on students and schools.  Dr. Carson also spoke of the expansion of the program in Indiana with major support from the Colts, Eli Lily, and Indiana University School of Medicine.  His concluding comments were encouragement to the scholars and acknowledgement of how difficult it is to win with the stringent requirements.  Congratulatory sentiments were expressed to the students, their parents, and the educators as well as the donors for their parts in placing our true role models in the forefront of their peers, yielding more hard-working students.

Dr.  Eugene G. White, Superintendent of Indianapolis Public Schools, spoke on the importance of high academic achievement and charged the students to be the best they can be.  Candy Carson followed, sharing how being married to a neurosurgeon gives one a unique perspective on the potential of the brain.  She continued, “With the ability to process more than 2 million bits of information per second, ‘I can’t’ shouldn’t be in anyone’s vocabulary. So when those obstacles or naysayers come across your path, don’t allow them to discourage you.”  Mrs. Carson also shared the fact that the Indianapolis Chapter of CSF has seven endowments.

The keynote speaker was Jim Caldwell, Head Coach of the Indianapolis Colts, whose strong belief that children are our greatest natural resource is evident in his extensive support of educational programs, including the Carson Scholars Fund.  In an extremely inspiring speech, he alluded to Boykin’s “Never Surrender”, a book about the Delta Force special operations organization (similar to Navy SEALS) to illustrate the importance of maintaining your resolve to be the best you can be, no matter what obstacles get in the way.

After a standing ovation for Coach Caldwell’s stirring message, each scholar approached the podium, while Anthony shared information on the scholar’s special interests, enriching our appreciation of these wonderful students’ accomplishments.  Candy Carson then looped the ribbon of the medal over each winner’s head and Coach Caldwell presented them each with their certificate.  Repeat scholars each received a brass shooting star pin to attach to their original medal’s ribbon.

The banquet honored 57 first-time Carson Scholars and 35 repeat scholars from across the Midwest.

The evening concluded with group photos as the music of the “Impossible Dream” floated through the hall like an encouraging benediction.

A special thanks to Stephanie Mathes, Marissa Malson, and Stefani Paul with the Indianapolis Colts, as well as everyone at the University Place Conference Center and Hotel.