Orchard Graduate Earns Prestigious Lilly Scholarship | Q & A: Maddie Sersic ’14

Maddie Sersic '14 was recently gifted the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship. She's the first University High School student to receive this prestigious achievement, and one of very few Orchard students. The scholarship covers four years of full tuition at any accredited public or private not-for-profit college or university in Indiana. Maddie will attend Butler where she plans to major in English or Biology. 

This year, 143 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarships were awarded. Nine of those went to Marion County residents, one of those being Maddie. The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program is designed to raise the level of educational attainment in Indiana and increase awareness of the potential of Indiana's community foundations to improve the quality of life of the state's residents. Read more here!

Read more from Maddie below about how Orchard prepared her for high school and beyond, as well as what factors contributed to her getting the scholarship. She also encourages Orchard students to step outside of their comfort zones.

First thing that came to mind when you found out you got The Lilly Endowment Scholarship?
I was so wonderfully overwhelmed by the amount of support and love from my community that lead up to my scholarship and that I know will continue to follow me in the next steps of life.
 
What type of work made you eligible to receive this scholarship? 
The Lilly Endowment Scholarship is completely merit-based and as the CICF and Lilly states, “consideration is given to student activities and achievements, community and civic service, academic performance and leadership potential.” A Lilly scholar must care about their community and maintain high academic achievement. I followed my passions in the community and always made sure to give back when I could. I did my best and always did what I thought was right. When the opportunity to apply was presented I took a chance and believed in myself. 
 
What can you say about your education at Orchard and how it helped prepare you for high school and college?
As always, if asked how Orchard prepared me for high school and college I undoubtedly say that Orchard raises children to be incredible leaders and effective communicators. All you can ask of rising youth is for them to be empathetic, to care about their community and the world, and to be the voice that communicates even when said communication may be daunting or frightening. Orchard gave me the skills I needed to stay organized, set and reach goals, and to always say yes when a voice was needed.  
 
Any advice for Orchard students hoping to follow in your footsteps? 
To all Orchard students, never be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone and never be afraid to take all opportunities that come to you. Say “yes” to opportunities when they present themselves even if they seem challenging or frightening. As long as the idea or activity jives with you, do not listen to that little voice in your head that says, “but what if?”.  Dive into life full heartedly and keep yourself vulnerable and humble. You have been raised in such a supportive and loving environment through Orchard and I encourage you to keep that in mind. You are wonderful and you deserve the world so reach out and grab it. 

Watch the video below where University High School surprised Maddie and awarded her the scholarship!
 
 
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    • L-R Jessica Aiyasami (Maddie's aunt & Orchard's Admissions Coordinator), Maddie, Wanda Holder (mom