VDTA honors 2007 scholarship recipients

Congratulations Megan McAdams & James Murphy

The VDTA is proud to announce that the 2007 VDTA/Epstein Scholarships have been awarded to Megan McAdams of Marion, IN, and James Murphy of St. Louis, MO.

These two students have demonstrated their love of sports, passion for community involvement, and strong leadership abilities.

The VDTA/Epstein Scholarship is awarded in two different categories. A top male recipient and a top female recipient were selected from all applications received. Megan and James are now eligible to receive up to $10,000 over a period of four years if they meet the specific academic criteria outlined by the VDTA.

Meet Scholar Megan McAdams
Megan McAdams is currently a senior at Lakeview Christian School in Marion, IN. She is the daughter of John and Donelle McAdams, who are the owners of Sew Biz in Marion, IN.

Describing their daughter, Donelle stated, “Megan possesses leadership skills, strong character, and has a keen ability to work with and empower a variety of personalities and age groups. She seeks opportunities to serve her school, community, and world. From promoting Red Ribbon Week to organizing her own Hurricane Relief Effort to volunteering with Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child, Megan employs her gifts and talents of organization and creativeness to make her world a better place. As a future educator of children, youth and adults, Megan will continue to be a world changer.”

Megan is a remarkable student as well as an exceptional role model. She approaches academics, athletics, and any personal endeavor as a matter of integrity. She pushes herself to excel in all areas.

Some of the high school activities Megan has participated in include National Honor Society, Student Council, “L” Club, Spanish Club, Literature Club, History Club, Art Club, Red Ribbon Campaign, Teacher Assistant, Yearbook Staff, Piano Guild, Varsity Softball, and Praise Team. She’s also been involved in the “See You At The Pole” Prayer Campaign, Student Leadership Summer Program, and Student Leadership Summer Conference. Over the past four years at Lakeview Christian School Megan has also achieved perfect attendance and has been named to the High All “A” Honor Roll.

Also active in her community, Megan has volunteered for the Grant County Crisis Pregnancy Center and the Family Service Society. She has been a member of the Lakeview Wesleyan Church and its youth group and youth choir, and she has been active in the REACH Project, the “Helping Hands” Mission, the Marion Youth Council and her local 4-H Program.

During two years of her high school career, Megan was a teacher for the Sew Young, Sew Fun Youth Summer Sewing Camp. She has also been active with her sewing talents in her mother’s shop, helping young sewers who struggle with their projects.

Speaking about Megan and her sewing/teaching talents, Janice Nowling (Family & Consumer Sciences Dept. Chairperson from Peru, IN) stated, “I have been able to observe Megan in her mother’s shop helping young sewers. Megan is able to quietly redirect their efforts toward a successful outcome. Interestingly, this has also been true with women many years older than she. Megan’s work is often displayed as she is a 10-year 4-H member. The difficulty of her projects generate great respect for her in two ways. First, her sewing skill is marvelous, but more importantly, she has a tenacity that will serve her well in the hard knocks of life ahead. She never takes the easy way; Megan always pushes herself to excel and thereby inspires those around her. Her ability to communicate quietly, yet effectively with people of all ages, is yet another strong aspect of her character.”

Megan plans to attend Indiana Wesleyan University. Her educational objective is a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education with a special education endorsement. This will allow her to pursue a career as an elementary education teacher.

“It is my desire to develop strong interpersonal and communication skills, make sound decisions to organize and coordinate work efficiently, continue to gain proficiency with current computer and media technology as well as obtain the knowledge required to meet the qualifications for a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education,” said Megan. “An outstanding educator has a broad educational background. This is my ultimate desire. With determination, confidence, innovativeness and motivation, I will strive to achieve that goal. This career is my vehicle to go light my world, making it a better place and allowing me to be a world changer.”

Meet Scholar James Murphy
James (Jamey) Murphy is currently a senior at St. Mary’s High School in St. Louis, MO. He is the son of Jim and Maryellen Murphy, owners of Shoppers Rule, Inc. in Arnold, MO.

Speaking of her son, Maryellen shared, “Jamey sees himself someday running the family business of sewing/embroidery supplies. Although he is extremely active in school/community, he has invested hours working in our shop, developing talents needed in the business world. He plays sports, finds pleasure in community service, stars in theatrical performance and is developing leadership skills. Jamey has a creative mind that is an extreme asset in marketing and development of a successful business. We appreciate all he has done for our business and know he will learn much more in college.”

One glance at Jamey’s high school resume is sure to impress. In the area of academics, he has achieved honor roll status and has received numerous Renaissance Awards for his scholarly achievements. Jamey has repeatedly chosen challenging course work and has shown a strong commitment toward academic excellence.

Jamey has also demonstrated a commitment to the total school program. As a member of Big Brothers, Broadcast Studio, LIFE, Student Ambassadors, Focus, President of the Drama Club, and Captain of the Varsity Golf Team, he serves as a positive role model to his fellow students, as well as a liaison to the school administration. Jamey has validated his intentions to live out the mission of St. Mary’s by being a model school citizen, caring classmate and an exemplary team player both on and off the stage and golf course.

Jamey is never hesitant to volunteer his time to the school or community. He has served in Mexico and Nicaragua as well as the United Way, Pro Life, and Fair St. Louis and has demonstrated strengths in independence and resourcefulness.

St. Mary Theatre Director Jeremy Curran said he is honored to have Jamey in his classroom. Curran shared, “Jamey approaches life with a compassion and humility unlike other students. He is responsible, faithful, and is overall, a great student and friend. He is a man of courage, honor and respect and his character exudes those qualities in the first meeting alone.”

Jamey’s goal is to complete his education at a quality university and obtain an MBA. He stated, “I know the value of education and see that education opens the doors to many new adventures. I would like to eventually work with my father in his sewing business and then someday run his company.”

Jamey has watched his father constantly take classes in order to gain an edge on other businesses. He said, “My father goes to classes to learn and sharpen his skills, and then he applies those skills into his business. As the recipient of this scholarship, I will apply myself and be able to commit myself toward reaching my goals.”

While volunteering his time in Nicaragua, Jamey said he met and learned from people who have endured many hardships. He shared, “I realized that life isn’t always going to be easy and no matter how hard things get, there is always a way to succeed. I have learned through experience that working hard, taking advantage of a quality education and being open minded to change is a great platform for my future.”

Jamey looks toward completing a quality education so he may continue to be involved with his family’s business. He hopes his studies will bring fresh ideas and new sales techniques to the sewing business.

“I would like to see the business flourish within the community,” added Jamey. “I see my role in the future as a successful businessman, who is active in my community, both the local community and the world community.”

Applications are now available for the 2008 VDTA/Epstein Scholarship. A complete list of criteria and applications may be obtained by calling 1-800-367-5651 or 1-515-282-9101. The deadline for application submission is November 1, 2007.

Reprinted from Floor Care Professional, April 2007