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Last updated on Thursday, August 23, 2012
(LINTON) - Two Linton-Stockton High School graduates are winners of the 2012 Maxine and Earl Brown Scholarship.
Jo Chiparo, of the Greene County Daily World reports, Taylor Heston-Griffith Sloan, son of Donnie and Teresa Sloan, and Cody Eldon Johnson, son of Troy and Carol Johnson, will each receive $8,000, given in $1,000 increments during each college semester.
As in applying for most scholarships, each entry must include high school transcript, list of extracurricular activities, civic participation, academic performance, and employment.
In addition, entries are asked to write an essay, state college choice, and intentions upon completion of their undergraduate program.
However, Rod Hasler -- who along with his wife, Beth, are trustees of the scholarship -- said, "The Brown Scholarship is a little different than some scholarships in that questions are asked on the application that reveal a more inward exposure of life's experiences."
Hasler added that to maintain the scholarship recipients must stay in contact with the trustees and maintain a 3.0 grade-point average each semester.
With a 4.054 GPA and valedictorian of the 2012 Linton-Stockton High School graduating class, Sloan will enter Indiana University in the fall to major in chemistry and pre-pharmacy.
While in high school, Sloan received several academic awards as well as numerous extracurricular awards.
He served as a class officer, member of National Honor Society, and Spanish Club.
One of his activities was tennis for which he received the Mental Attitude Award, Academic All-State Honorable Mention and SWIAC Conference No. 1 doubles. He was team captain his senior year.
In addition, Sloan received top Band Student Award in grades 9, 10 and 11.
Although he had a busy academic and extracurricular schedule, he found time to participate in civic affairs and maintain his lawn business while working at two other business employments.
Sloan noted that the way his sister conducted herself during a serious illness instilled in him the inspiration to go into the medical field.
"Whatever my mountain will someday be, she is the model for my climb," Sloan said.
Following graduate studies, Sloan says he plans to give back to the community by relocating near his hometown of Linton.
Johnson's college curriculum and chosen career are different than the average young student.
An avid go-kart racer since he was 5 years old and presently vying for his 26th championship, Johnson's dream is to become a team driver in the stock car racing arena.
However, if he is unable to attain that goal, he says he wants to be an important and integral part of a race team.
"I want to do more than turn wrenches and change tires," Johnson explained. "I want to lead the team in their chances toward victory by designing superior chassis, bodies, and racing machines."
To prepare for such a challenging career, Johnson will pursue a degree in motorsports engineering at IUPUI in Indianapolis, one of the few colleges that offers the curriculum.
Johnson says while he is attending IUPUI he intends to participate in internships/apprenticeships around the Indianapolis racing area.
"My main ambition is to have an impact on the racing world," noted Johnson.
Already making a name in the racing field, Johnson has won 25 Class Championships including the Bakersfield Raceway in Linton, World Karting Association Divisional Series in Vincennes, and Midwest Karting Winter Series in DuQuoin, Ill. In addition, he was the 2011 winner of the Indiana State Dirt Championship in the Open-Outlaw/UAS class and won third place in the UAS held in Clay City, Ky. Soon he will be traveling to the Nationals in Missouri.
While a student at LSHS, Johnson received several awards in school and school-related activities.
In addition to being a member of National Honor Society and Academic Honors Club, Johnson participated in concert, jazz and marching band, German Club, football (2003) baseball (four years), and soccer (2002).
Helping with local community needs, he has traveled with church groups to Chicago for a church restoration project and to St. Louis to help restore a park.
"I am excited about attending college because I am going to be spending much of my time in classes that are 'right up my alley,' " noted Johnson.
Following the death of her husband, Merle, and childless, Maxine Brown made the decision to leave her estate in a trust with accrued interest to be applied toward scholarships, either to students at White River Valley (Earl's alma mater) or Linton-Stockton High School, Maxine's home school.
This year, 2012, marks the fourth annual award.
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