Chamber recognizes past, present scholarship winners

Lindsey Pierson stepped up to the podium at the Chamber of Commerce of Harrison County’s 2004 Scholarship Luncheon because, as Darrell Voelker said, ‘When you put your money on something, you want to know what it returns.’
The Chamber put its money on Pierson in 2001 when she was awarded a $500 scholarship.
After opening remarks by Voelker, the Chamber’s executive director, and a meal at Old Capital Golf Club Thursday in Corydon, Pierson addressed four new scholarship recipients and imparted a few words of wisdom gleaned from her college experience.
The Chamber awards a $500 scholarship each year to one applicant from each of Harrison County’s four high schools.
Christopher B. Boggs was Corydon Central High School’s scholarship recipient. Boggs earned his pilot’s license this year and plans to attend Indiana State University in Terre Haute.
‘Hopefully, by the time I’m 30, I’ll be flying for UPS or a big-name airline,’ he said.
Melissa L. Langdon from North Harrison High School is headed to Centre College in Danville, Ky., where she hopes to continue her interest in music that began when she was two.
Langdon said she is interested in secondary education and returning to her alma mater to teach music and theater.
Rebekah M. McKim was Lanesville Junior-Senior High School’s representative. She plans to study English secondary education at Indiana University Southeast in New Albany.
‘My family is full of teachers,’ McKim said.
She said she intends to return to the community ‘because I think that’s where I need to be.’
Justin Lee Warren from South Central Junior-Senior High School is the second licensed pilot in the group. He plans to study mechanical engineering at the University of Southern Indiana in Evansville.
Regardless of where they came from or where they are heading, Pierson had a few tips to pass on to the future undergrads, because, she said, college isn’t just about academics, it’s learning ‘how to grow up.’
A University of Louisville student majoring in math with a concentration in business administration, Pierson works as an actuarial intern at Humana and is slated to take a position as an analyst after graduation.
But, she said, she almost threw in the towel after the first week.
‘I came home crying. I wanted to quit,’ Pierson said.
Her mother encouraged her to see it through. Eventually, Pierson found her rhythm. ‘It’s not that bad ‘ just don’t get overwhelmed.’
Use your school’s resources, she said. That’s how Pierson discovered her major.
And there are a lot of important skills to hone, like business writing, time management and organization. Students should seek out ‘real-world experience’ through internships, continue looking for scholarships, and take interesting electives, she said.
Lastly, ‘Your parents are great. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for mine. I would probably still be crying,’ she joked.
Closing remarks were made by Joseph Shireman, a member of the Chamber’s board of directors. He left the students with one last piece of advice.
‘Whatever you decide to do, just be happy in what you’re doing.’
The Chamber of Commerce Scholarship was initiated in May of 1989 at the urging of Indiana Business Research Center, Kelley School of Business Executive Director Morton Marcus who spoke at the annual meeting. Since then, almost $30,000 has been awarded to Harrison County graduates.