She had no idea one of the biggest moments in her life was about to unfold. And in a West Noble sweatshirt, no less.
Jenna Harlan looked up as did the bulk of her classmates while nearly a dozen adults paraded into Megan Davidhizar’s classroom at Fairfield High School Tuesday morning. There was no planned arrival for Davidhizar to prepare as she looked on as pensively as the class full of seniors quickly tried to gather intel. Harlan was the first to pick up on the situation as Jackie Rodriguez of the Community Foundation of Elkhart County began to introduce the well-dressed guests in the room. As it hit Harlan, a well of tears began to slowly trickle as Rodriguez continued her public address.
Harlan now knew exactly what was going on, and she was ill-prepared for the moment.
“I know who these people are, but I have no idea why they are here,” noted Harlan. “I was expecting to find out on Friday. It was really a big shock.”
Just over two minutes into the presentation, all eyes quickly shifted to a beet-red and tearful Harlan, who was presented with the 2023 Lilly Endowment Scholarship. Harlan had been whittled down from dozens of applicants to just a handful of potential full-ride scholarship winners. Having already done the second round of interviews, Harlan was chosen not only to represent Fairfield as its Lilly Endowment Scholarship winner, but to represent Elkhart County as well.
The scholarship, which is given to an Elkhart County senior who is a first-generation college attendee in their family, isn’t just a few hundred bucks to help pay for some books. The scholarship allows Harlan to choose any college or university in the state of Indiana, and pays for a full four years of tuition.
How that directly pertains to Harlan is it now allows her to make a definitive college choice and directional goal, which could change her life.
“It really opens up a lot of opportunities for me,” Harlan said, who wants to pursue forensic psychology and journalism at Butler University. “I had been struggling knowing how I was going to fund college, how I was going to get there even though I knew I really wanted to go.
“I had been applying for other scholarships but I can go to my dream school if I get this. I felt like all of the work I had put in was leading up to this. This is rewarding to have it.”
Tuesday morning was an ironic one, as well, given Harlan is the editor in chief of the Fairfield yearbook committee. Knowing how the process of media and journalism works, Harlan found herself on the other end of the role, the sudden center of attention being interviewed and taking photos. After doing a quick media session, Harlan went to Jenn Johnson’s guidance office to call mom.
As were most of the students in Davidhizar’s class, Tina Harlan was just as curious when Jenna asked, “Do you want to guess what I’m about to tell you?” The pride and joy of being the winner was mixed in with a few dry jokes to break up the moment, Tina asking if Jenna cried, “Yes, in front of everybody!” And, Jenna admitting, “I wore a West Noble shirt to school today. A West Noble crewneck.”
It was a genuine moment, Jenna still in shock and a proud mom on the other end, trying to make sense of all of it.
The thrill of the accomplishment likely won’t settle for Jenna for a while, but that’s OK. The editor in chief also is part of stage productions with show choir, and there’s still prom and academic competitions coming up.
It’s not a shock Jenna Harlan is the Lilly Endowment Scholarship award winner. She has the pedigree. She just wanted a little head’s up so she could put on a nicer sweatshirt.