Last modified: Wednesday, July 28, 2004
Zionsville's Hamilton named Wells Scholar at IU
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Janet Hamilton of Zionsville, Ind., has been selected as a Wells Scholar at Indiana University, one of 20 entering freshmen so honored. She plans to major in history and Spanish at IU.
The Wells Scholarship, named in honor of Herman B Wells, the late university chancellor and former IU president, 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 undergraduate study on the IU Bloomington campus.
A graduate of Zionsville Community High School, Hamilton is a National Merit Finalist and an AP Scholar. She was a three-year staff member and two-year editor-in-chief of her school's yearbook, which was a National Scholastic Press Association Pacemaker Finalist, an All-American Finalist and a Hoosier Star Finalist. She served for two years as secretary of the Indiana High School Press Association Executive Board and was a member of Quill and Scroll, the international high school journalism honor society. She won an award from the National Scholastic Press Association for excellent theme design.
Hamilton was president of the Economics Club and a member of the National Mathematics Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta. A member of her school's Future Problem Solving Team, which twice placed first in state competition, she earned a state championship in individual competition and placed fifth at the international level.
Hamilton ran cross country for four years, captained the team her junior and senior years and was chosen by her teammates for the mental attitude award.
She volunteers at the Julian Center, a shelter in Indianapolis for women and children who are victims of domestic violence, and is active in her church, where she has served as youth council fellowship director. She also worked with members of her church in the Appalachia Service Project.
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:
Janet Hamilton is the daughter of Brigid Manning-Hamilton and David Hamilton of Zionsville, Ind.
