Last modified: Tuesday, July 27, 2004
Birdseye's Brier named Wells Scholar at IU
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Anna Brier of Birdseye, Ind., has been selected as a Wells Scholar at Indiana University, one of 20 incoming freshmen to be so honored. Brier plans to major in elementary education at IU.
The Wells Scholarship, named in honor of the late IU chancellor Herman B Wells, ranks among the most competitive and prestigious awards offered by any American university. Wells Scholars receive full tuition, fees and a living stipend for four years of study on the IU Bloomington campus.
A Hoosier Scholar and valedictorian of her class, Brier is the first Wells Scholar from Forest Park High School in Ferdinand, Ind., where she was the recipient of the President's Award for Educational Excellence, the I Dare You Leadership Award and the High Schools That Work award. She also won the German Heritage Essay Competition.
An active member of her high school band for four years, she was drum major for three years and received a variety of honors in music, including being selected for the all-state choir for three years, and for the Indiana All-Star Marching Band and the Indiana State University Honor Band her senior year. In addition, she earned superior ratings at the state level for vocal and flute solos.
She worked on her school newspaper for three years and was the editor of the yearbook for two years. She also was a member of the Academic Bowl Team and the Recycling Club.
As a sophomore, Brier served on the Indiana Youth Commission for Service and Leadership, and she helped write a bill for the Indiana General Assembly that would appoint a student to the Indiana State Board of Education. Exhibiting continuing concern for her community, Brier was a participant in Sen. Richard Lugar's Symposium for Tomorrow's Leaders, was a Hoosier Girls State delegate and was a member of Beta Club, Key Club and Peers Educating Peers.
The Wells Scholars program offers special seminars, an optional year of study abroad and support for a summer research project or internship. It also emphasizes close interaction with faculty, academic and career advising, opportunities for community service and contact with distinguished visitors. Wells Scholars are members of the Honors College at IU, where they have the opportunity to apply for grants in support of research, teaching internships, professional experience, creative activity, conference travel and honors thesis work. They are selected for having demonstrated character, leadership and distinction, both inside and outside of the classroom.
Hometown information:
Anna Brier is the daughter of Kevin and Susan Brier,10402 E. Conservation Club Road, Birdseye, Ind.
