Huntington University Announces Spirit of a Forester Scholarship Competition Winners

Hiss awarded top scholarship in October 2024 competition

HUNTINGTON, Ind. — On October 18-19, Huntington University hosted 55 top high school seniors in the fifth Spirit of a Forester Scholarship Competition.

The invitation-only semi-annual competition includes students with a 3.7 grade point average or higher. Through an onsite extemporaneous essay and an interview with faculty and staff, students compete for scholarships ranging from $16,000 per year to full tuition for four years.

In addition to drawing students who excel academically, the competition provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate their understanding of the Spirit of a Forester, the set of traits that characterize Huntington University students: chasing truth, defying complacency, remaining curious, caring completely, embracing interconnectedness, having grit and exploring creativity.

The recipient of the full tuition scholarship from the October 18-19 competition is Amelia Hiss of Perrysburg, Ohio. Hiss’ admissions counselor, Ciara Borg-Weaver, surprised her at her family's residence to present her with the award.

“I’m in shock, but a good shock!” said Hiss afterward. “This is just another sign that Huntington is the place for me. Thank you for the opportunity to take part in the scholarship competition.”

Hiss plans to study animation in the Department of Digital Media Arts and is considering a minor in Spanish. She has taken part in both the Veritas Theology Institute and the School of the Arts Summer Academy at Huntington University in the past.

Hiss’ parents expressed feeling humbled, honored and blessed for “Mia” to receive this award: “God’s hand has been all over and lined everything up. She had found her people through these opportunities.” 

Hiss encourages students to keep at what they are pursuing and pray about their future, because you never know where God is going to place you. 

Additional scholarship recipients from the October 18-19 Spirit of a Forester Scholarship Competition include the following:

• Amanda Ailes; Carmel, Indiana
• Will Ambrose; Indianapolis, Indiana
• Alexa Brotherton; Decatur, Indiana
• Amy Brown; Pierceton, Indiana
• Emily Bullock; Fort Wayne, Indiana
• Madeline Cole; Blissfield, Michigan
• Aniyah Copeland; Archbold, Ohio
• Maci Correll; Mecosta, Michigan
• Sydney Eggleston; Osceola, Indiana
• Kimberly Franklin; Ellettsville, Indiana
• Lillian Fuller; Apo, Armed Forces Europe
• Aggie Gordon; North Port, Florida
• Alaina Hanson; Reed City, Michigan
• Penelope Harrell; Huntington, Indiana
• Wynter Harris; North Manchester, Indiana
• Hadassah Herbert; Millersburg, Indiana
• Tessa Holland; Peru, Indiana
• Wesley Hotchkiss; Huntington, Indiana
• Avichayil Hummel; Greentown, Indiana
• Sara Jewell; Enon, Ohio
• Alexyss Keener; LaGrange, Indiana
• Mia Kline; Huntington, Indiana
• Makinzie Kline; Walkerton, Indiana
• Abigail Lambdin; New Palestine, Indiana
• Chayse Lambert; Independence, Kentucky
• Dylan Luther; Greenfield, Indiana
• Ben Maggard; Bluffton, Indiana
• Morgan Martin; Brownsburg, Indiana
• Tinodiwanashe Matangi; Marion, Indiana
• Abigail Matos; Wheaton, Illinois
• Kaitlyn Mattocks; Monrovia, Indiana
• Elianna Mendez; Huntington, Indiana
• Isaiah Owens; Indianapolis, Indiana
• Noah Reed; Greenwood, Indiana
• Brooklyn Roose; Milford, Indiana
• Lucy Rosentreter; Elkhart, Indiana
• Emma Ruf; Liberty, Indiana
• Elizabeth Seder; Decatur, Indiana
• Raelyn Sederstrom; Cedar Lake, Indiana
• Caelin Silitonga; Noblesville, Indiana
• Emma Smith; Bloomington, Indiana
• Alannah Smith; Kokomo, Indiana
• Regan Smith; Fort Wayne, Indiana
• Madyson Sonnigsen; Uniondale, Indiana
• Emily Speirs; Cass City, Michigan
• Hannah Spitzley; Jackson, Michigan
• Madison Spreen; Fort Wayne, Indiana
• Ava Stackhouse; Plymouth, Indiana
• Leah Steup; Fort Wayne, Indiana
• Maggie Taylor; Milltown, Indiana
• Makenna Taylor; LaPorte, Indiana
• Emily Tenuto; Schaumburg, Illinois
• Makaley Terry; Sheridan, Indiana
• Peyton Webster; Michigantown, Indiana