Seventeen 2021 high school graduates of the School City of Hammond have received $17,000 in college scholarships for the 2021-22 academic year, thanks to financial contributions provided to the Hammond Education Foundation.
Seven scholars from Morton High School, four scholars from Clark Middle/High School, three scholars from Gavit Middle/High School, and three scholars from Hammond High School were awarded post-secondary scholarship funds.
- Shardai Holmes received the $2,500 Biel Scholarship. Miss Holmes will be attending Tuskegee University, majoring in nursing. The Biel Scholarship is awarded to a Hammond High graduate and is a gift made anonymously by a Hammond High alumnus in memory of the late Hammond teacher and administrator Mark Biel.
There are twelve recipients of a $1,000 Draskovich/Brundidge Scholarship. They are:
- Maria Santacruz, attending Indiana University Purdue University of Indianapolis, majoring in computer engineering
- Anahi Briseno attending Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, majoring in business administration
- Yasmine Booker attending Indiana University Bloomington, majoring in finance
- Jesus Montes attending Valparaiso University, majoring in civil engineering
- Demilade Adeyeye attending Indiana University Bloomington, majoring as a pre-physician assistant
- Nazareth Diaz attending Butler University, majoring in psychology
- Cashmere Booker attending Indiana University Bloomington, majoring in journalism and political science
- Joshua Lamb attending Marian University, majoring in biology
- Annikkha Setlak attending Valparaiso University, majoring in nursing
- Luke Miiller attending Purdue University Northwest, majoring in finance
- Giana Foley attending Valparaiso University, majoring in nursing
- Karina Padilla attending Indiana University Northwest, majoring in dentistry.
The Draskovich/Brundidge Scholarships are awarded city-wide and are a gift by retired Hammond teacher Zlatana Draskovich in support of student success.
- Logan Hansen received the $1,000 Hammond Education Foundation Legacy Scholarship. Mr. Hansen will be attending Purdue University Northwest, majoring in health & human services.
Additionally, the following individuals were selected to receive $500 awards:
- Mauro Hurtado attending Valparaiso University received the Robertsdale/Whiting Kiwanis Scholarship
- Divina Juarez attending Purdue University Northwest received the James Hornak Trades Scholarship
- Desirae Escobedo attending Indiana University Purdue University of Indianapolis received the Dr. Gary Jones Scholarship.
The Hammond Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization and philanthropic partner of the School City of Hammond. Since its origin in 1983, the foundation has generated more than $1.5 million in scholarships, classroom grants, programs, and other support for extraordinary learning experiences and opportunities to help Hammond students succeed—in school and beyond